Naglfar has had a bit of a rough journey in their quest to provide Dissection-esque blackened thrash. From their initial inking to the doomed Wrong Again Records to long gaps between releases, Naglfar has essentially become marginalized in a scene that has contracted and expanded quite a bit since their 1995 debut, Vittra. However, their CDs are slowly beginning to see the light of day again. Diabolical, originally licensed from Wrong Again by Relapse, is seeing another reissue courtesy of Regain Records. As a result, the curious will have another chance to check out one of the better secondary bands of the scene.

Naglfar's music relies primarily on treble-oriented riffs and an onrush of speed. Fortunately, Naglfar doesn't fall into the Marduk trap of losing every last shred of dynamics by trying to play too fast and throw too much muck into the mix. Instead, the songs, though not exactly the best produced in the world, have some clarity and one can actually tell the difference from song to song. Like Dissection, Naglfar has roots in the older thrash scene, but very much updated with black metal thinking. Melodies are subtle but hide beneath the onslaught of speed like a cheetah waiting for its young antelope prey.

While Diabolical is not quite as impressive as the band's debut, it's still a worthy follow up and a quite decent record all around. Out of all the CDs that are finally being repressed and put back into circulation, Diabolical is definitely one to recommend.

Review by John Chedsey

Review date: 01/2004

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So after a couple warmly received releases, Naglfar has been suspiciously quiet for the past three years. Apparently in the lapse of time between now and 1998's Diabolical, Naglfar has seen the typical lineup shifting and have only recently even attempted recording some new material. The result is Ex Infernis, which actually only features two new songs, one cover of a Massacre tune, and a couple tracks taken from an older seven inch record. The two new songs feature new guitarist Marcus Norman, who has previously played in Bewitched, and both songs remain true to the Naglfar style. This five song EP runs rather long at nearly a half hour and has a very solid flow, considering the tracks are taken from various sessions over the years. Naglfar's style is not terribly far removed from Dissection's blend of thrash, death and black metal influences, relying often on rampaging blast beats and fluid, careening guitar riffs. The band has the ability to retain a subliminally melodic undertone at all times, giving their music a memorable feel.

With any luck, this EP is nothing more than a prelude for a full length record. Naglfar may not be recognized as a genre leader, but their ability and seamless blackened metal attack makes them worth picking up when one comes across any of their discs. Ex Infernis is a very enjoyable EP that should whet appetites for new material.

Review by John Chedsey

Review date: 10/2001

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