Through Times of War
Keep of Kalessin · 1997
47 min · 7 tracks · black metal
Epic black metal compositions intertwine melancholic melodies with ferocious riffs, evoking a battle-scarred landscape through intricate arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Through Times of War — The title track introduces the album's themes with soaring melodies and relentless aggression, setting a precedent for the juxtaposition of beauty and brutality throughout.
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I Choose to Suffer — This track showcases dynamic shifts between melodic interludes and intense blast beats, illustrating the band's ability to blend emotional depth with technical prowess.
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Nectarous Red - Itch — At over fourteen minutes, this epic piece encapsulates the album's ambitious soundscape, combining intricate guitar work with atmospheric elements that create a sense of foreboding.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and a blend of melody and aggression typical of its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features rapid tempo shifts, with tracks alternating between blast beats and slower, atmospheric sections.
- Melodic guitar lines often intertwine with harsh vocals, creating a contrast that enhances the emotional weight of the music.
- Several tracks incorporate symphonic elements, such as keyboards, which add depth to the arrangements without overshadowing the core instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- 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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- wave-like pacing and builds
- haunting melodic introspection
Where this album fits
- Career context
- When 'Through Times of War' was released in 1997, Keep of Kalessin was still establishing their presence in the black metal scene. This album marked their debut full-length release after several demos, positioning them as significant players within Norway's underground metal movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Emperor· Dimmu Borgir· Enslaved
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I Choose to Suffer
The imagery shifts from personal anguish to broader existential themes, creating a haunting contrast between internal struggle and external chao…
This shift enriches the narrative by expanding the scope from individual pain to collective suffering, enhancing the song's emotional weight.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Through Times of War 4:31
- 2 Den siste krig 4:43
- 3 As a Shadow Cast 6:09
- 4 I Choose to Suffer 6:50
- 5 Skygger av sorg 5:22
- 6 Obliterator 5:42
- 7 Nectarous Red - Itch 14:19
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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