Teach Children to Worship Satan cover

Teach Children to Worship Satan

Dark Funeral · 2000

27 min · 5 tracks · black metal

A relentless barrage of icy riffs and blast beats intertwine with haunting melodies to forge an unholy atmosphere.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    An Apprentice of Satan — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its ferocious tempo and darkly atmospheric elements, epitomizing the band's commitment to blasphemous themes.
  • →
    Pagan Fears — With its intricate guitar work and powerful drumming, this track exemplifies Dark Funeral's ability to blend melody with aggression while exploring paganism's allure.
  • →
    Dead Skin Mask — A cover of Slayer's classic, this rendition showcases Dark Funeral's skill in reinterpreting influential tracks while maintaining their signature sound and dark aesthetic.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong musicianship and a cohesive sound while maintaining a distinct black metal identity.

What we noticed

  • The first track opens with a rapid-fire blast beat that sets a relentless pace, which is maintained throughout the EP.
  • Each song features intricate guitar work, with melodies layered over aggressive riffs, creating a dense soundscape.
  • The final track ends abruptly without resolution, leaving a sense of unfinished tension.
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
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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 intensity
  • dark themes for focused sessions
  • relentless soundscapes for immersion
  • haunting melodies with urgency

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer lighthearted music
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Upon the release of 'Teach Children to Worship Satan', Dark Funeral was solidifying their presence in the black metal scene following their 1996 debut album, 'The Secrets of the Black Arts'. This album marked their third studio effort, showcasing a refinement in their sound and lyrical themes that delved deeper into occult imagery and anti-religious sentiments.
Stylistic neighbors
Marduk· Immortal· Behemoth

Tracklist

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

  • 1 An Apprentice of Satan 6:05
  • 2 The Trial 5:28
  • 3 Dead Skin Mask 4:47
  • 4 Remember the Fallen 4:16
  • 5 Pagan Fears 6:32

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata