Hrimthursum cover

Released 20 years ago

Hrimthursum

Necrophobic · 2006

59 min · 12 tracks · black metal

A relentless onslaught of atmospheric black metal infused with death metal ferocity and chilling thematic depth.

Top tracks — play these first

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    The Slaughter of Baby Jesus — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its aggressive instrumentation and provocative themes, immediately immersing listeners in Necrophobic's dark aesthetic.
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    Bloodshed Eyes — With its haunting melodies intertwined with fierce riffs, this track epitomizes the band's ability to balance brutality with atmospheric elements, making it a highlight of the album.
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    Eternal Winter — This song showcases intricate guitar work and a compelling narrative structure, illustrating the band's skill in crafting evocative music that resonates beyond mere aggression.
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    Death Immaculate — The climactic build-up and powerful delivery within this track reflect the thematic intensity of the album, reinforcing Necrophobic's mastery over creating an immersive sonic experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends black and death metal effectively, with strong dynamics and thematic depth throughout its runtime.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features aggressive tempos and blast beats, while the second half introduces slower, more atmospheric sections.
  • Tracks often shift between melodic guitar lines and guttural vocals, creating a dynamic contrast within each song.
  • Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements and ambient interludes, enhancing the thematic depth without disrupting the flow.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady mid-tempo aggression
  • atmospheric soundscapes for immersion
  • dark themes with melodic undertones
  • focused listening for contemplation

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking upbeat, energetic tracks
  • prefer short, standalone songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Hrimthursum is Necrophobic's fifth studio album, released in 2006 following their critically acclaimed record, Bloodhymns. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their reputation within the Swedish metal scene while continuing to explore darker themes and complex musical arrangements.
Stylistic neighbors
Dissection· Dark Funeral· Behemoth

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Slaughter of Baby Jesus 3:14
  • 2 Blinded by Light, Enlightened by Darkness 4:02
  • 3 I Strike With Wrath 5:52
  • 4 Age of Chaos 5:49
  • 5 Bloodshed Eyes 4:06
  • 6 The Crossing 6:19
  • 7 Eternal Winter 5:20
  • 8 Death Immaculate 4:41
  • 9 Sitra Ahra 5:54
  • 10 Serpents (Beneath the Forest of the Dead) 3:44
  • 11 Black Hate 4:00
  • 12 Hrimthursum 6:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata