What makes Total Death by Darkthrone notable?

Total Death is notable for its uncompromising approach to black metal, which influenced a generation of musicians seeking authenticity over production polish. The album received positive reviews from underground metal publications and solidified Darkthrone’s reputation as pioneers of the genre, showcasing their commitment to DIY aesthetics and thematic depth. Released on January 15, 1996, Total Death marked Darkthrone's fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Panzerfaust. At this point, the band had firmly established themselves in the black metal scene, transitioning from their earlier death metal roots and embracing a more stripped-down, raw sound that would define their later works.

Who is Total Death for?

Total Death works well if you're into steady, consistent energy levels, long, immersive listening sessions and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on Total Death?

Total Death has 8 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Total Death

Darkthrone · 1996

35 min · 8 tracks · black metal

A relentless barrage of raw riffs and guttural vocals envelops listeners in a bleak sonic landscape of despair.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Earth’s Last Picture — The opening track sets a haunting tone with its slow buildup and chilling atmosphere, encapsulating the themes of existential dread present throughout the album.
→
Black Victory of Death — This track stands out for its aggressive tempo and fierce vocal delivery, exemplifying the raw energy that characterizes Darkthrone's shift towards a more feral black metal sound.
→
Blasphemer — Featuring intense guitar work and a relentless pace, this song highlights the band's ability to blend melody with chaos, making it a quintessential representation of their evolving style.
→
The Serpents Harvest — Closing the album with an epic length and complex structure, this track showcases Darkthrone's lyrical depth and musical ambition while remaining true to their raw roots.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

Total Death showcases raw aggression and distinct black metal elements, influencing future artists while maintaining its own identity.

What we noticed

The album opens with a relentless barrage of fast-paced guitar riffs and harsh vocals, maintaining a high energy level throughout the first half.
Tracks often feature abrupt tempo shifts, with some sections slowing down to create a sense of dread before launching back into aggressive passages.
The production is raw and unpolished, emphasizing the gritty sound that characterizes the black metal genre, with minimal layering of instruments.

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

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady, consistent energy levels
long, immersive listening sessions
atmospheric background focus
dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its raw sound and influence on black metal authenticity.
Career context: Released on January 15, 1996, Total Death marked Darkthrone's fifth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Panzerfaust. At this point, the band had firmly established themselves in the black metal scene, transitioning from their earlier death metal roots and embracing a more stripped-down, raw sound that would define their later works.
Stylistic neighbors: Burzum· Mayhem· Immortal