What makes Revelations of the Black Flame by 1349 notable?

Revelations of the Black Flame received critical acclaim for its intense sound and thematic depth, often cited as a significant contribution to the black metal genre. The album helped cement 1349's position within the underground metal community and served as a touchstone for subsequent bands looking to capture similar ferocity and atmosphere. Released on January 1, 2005, Revelations of the Black Flame marked 1349's third studio album, following their acclaimed work, Hellfire (2005). At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation in the black metal scene after a successful lineup change that brought in new influences and production techniques.

Who is Revelations of the Black Flame for?

Revelations of the Black Flame works well if you're into relentless sonic assault experience, dark atmospheric immersion and intense late-night listening sessions.

How many songs are on Revelations of the Black Flame?

Revelations of the Black Flame has 15 tracks, running approximately 78 minutes.

Revelations of the Black Flame

1349 · 2005

78 min · 15 tracks · black metal

A relentless barrage of icy riffs, guttural vocals, and atmospheric layers encapsulating the essence of Norwegian black metal.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Invocation — The opening track sets a haunting tone with its eerie atmosphere and relentless pace, showcasing the band's signature blend of dissonance and aggression.
→
Misanthropy — This track exemplifies the lyrical themes of alienation and disdain, underpinned by complex rhythms and ferocious guitar work that defines the album.
→
Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun — A cover of Pink Floyd's classic, this track transforms the original into a dark, unsettling experience while highlighting 1349's innovative approach to songwriting.
→
Satanic Propaganda — With its blistering speed and aggressive vocal delivery, this track encapsulates the raw energy and anti-establishment rhetoric that permeates the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and craft but has moments that may not fully engage listeners on repeated listens.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a relentless pace, maintaining aggressive tempos throughout the first half.
Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, particularly in the second half, where slower, atmospheric sections contrast with the faster riffs.
The use of layered guitar harmonies and dissonant chords creates a dense soundscape that is characteristic of Norwegian black metal.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

relentless sonic assault experience
dark atmospheric immersion
intense late-night listening sessions
cathartic release of aggression
prolonged exploration of bleak themes

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat, cheerful sounds
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2005, Revelations of the Black Flame marked 1349's third studio album, following their acclaimed work, Hellfire (2005). At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation in the black metal scene after a successful lineup change that brought in new influences and production techniques.
Stylistic neighbors: Darkthrone· Mayhem· Gorgoroth