Plaguewielder
Darkthrone · 2001
42 min · 6 tracks · black metal
A raw, unrefined blend of black metal's haunting melodies and relentless aggression that embodies the genre's core ethos.
Top tracks — play these first
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Weakling Avenger — This opening track sets the tone with its aggressive riffs and chaotic tempo, encapsulating the band's shift towards a grittier sound.
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Raining Murder — With its relentless pace and dark atmosphere, this track exemplifies the album's fusion of punk energy with black metal aesthetics.
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I, Voidhanger — This song features an intriguing juxtaposition of melodic sections and harsh vocals, highlighting the band's experimental tendencies during this era.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's raw sound and aggressive style reflect its punk influences while maintaining black metal roots.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent lo-fi production quality, with raw guitar tones and harsh vocal delivery throughout its six tracks.
- Each track maintains a relentless tempo, often exceeding four minutes, creating an unyielding atmosphere.
- The songwriting incorporates repetitive riffs and minimalistic structures, emphasizing aggression over melodic complexity.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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5/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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4/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- long, immersive listening sessions
- steady, consistent energy levels
- dynamic emotional journeys
- atmospheric background focus
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Represents a shift towards a punk-influenced sound, diverging from earlier black metal style.
- Career context
- Released in 2001, Plaguewielder marked Darkthrone's transition into a more punk-influenced sound following their earlier classic black metal albums. This album came after the duo's significant work with The Cult is Alive (2003), showcasing their willingness to evolve beyond traditional black metal norms.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Weakling Avenger 7:55
- 2 Raining Murder 5:14
- 3 Sin Origin 6:44
- 4 Command 8:01
- 5 I, Voidhanger 5:38
- 6 Wreak 9:15
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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