What makes The Return of the Black Death by Antestor notable?

This album is significant for its role in popularizing unblack metal, a subgenre that combines black metal's intensity with Christian lyrical themes. It received positive critical reception within niche circles and has influenced subsequent bands exploring similar themes, thus contributing to the evolution of the genre. Released in 1998, The Return of the Black Death marked Antestor's second full-length album, following their debut, which established them as pioneers in the unblack metal scene. At this point in their career, Antestor was solidifying their identity by merging Christian themes with the aggressive sound typical of black metal, distinguishing them within the Norwegian metal landscape.

How many songs are on The Return of the Black Death?

The Return of the Black Death has 11 tracks, running approximately 57 minutes.

The Return of the Black Death

Antestor · 1998

57 min · 11 tracks · unblack metal

Dark atmospheric melodies intertwine with aggressive riffs, creating a unique blend of black metal and spiritual themes.

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Top tracks — play these first

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A Sovereign Fortress — This track showcases the album's distinct sound with its powerful instrumentation and profound lyrics about faith serving as a stronghold against darkness.
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Svartedauens Gjenkomst — A standout track that encapsulates the album's thematic focus on death and resurrection, combining haunting melodies with ferocious guitar work.
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The Bridge Of Death — This track exemplifies the band's ability to weave intricate melodies with heavy riffs while addressing deep existential themes.
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Ancient Prophecy — At eight minutes long, this epic piece blends complex arrangements with storytelling, representing both the musical ambition and thematic depth of 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 blends aggressive metal with atmospheric elements and spiritual themes, marking its distinct place in unblack metal.

What we noticed

The album opens with a dark atmospheric intro that sets a somber tone, followed by aggressive guitar riffs that dominate the majority of the tracks.
Several tracks feature alternating vocal styles, including harsh screams and clean singing, which creates a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
The use of orchestral elements in the background enhances the atmospheric quality, particularly in tracks like 'Sorg' and 'Ancient Prophecy'.
The final track concludes with an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of unease.

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

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Vinterferden 1:21
2 A Sovereign Fortress 4:54
3 Svartedauens Gjenkomst 4:41
4 Sorg 6:13
5 The Bridge Of Death 5:30
6 Gamlelandet 6:14
7 Kilden - Lik En Endelös Elv 6:23
8 Kongsblod 5:49
9 Battlefield 5:58
10 Ancient Prophecy 8:00
11 Ildnatten 2:04

What to play next

Listen next

Martyrium

2000

Go back to

Kongsblod

1997

Full Antestor discography Artists like Antestor

unblack metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata