Unholy Nordic Noise is the debut full length from Sweden’s Reaper and I couldn’t think of a more appropriately named album. An all killer, no filler release, it’s loaded with old school buzzsaw riffs, relentless punk energy, and a rotten, lo-fi production. One will recall Bathory’s self titled debut when listening to this Unholy. I can’t help but think Reaper is named after the classic track of the same name off that album. While many bands have attempted this approach, those who are convincing are far and few in between. Reaper are among the “far and few”.
Unholy falls somewhere between the earliest days of black metal and the crust and grime of 80s European hardcore. While the entire album is a great mix of both styles, certain songs lean more on one side than the other. “Horn of Hades”, “This Crystal Hell”, and “De Krälande Maskarnas Kör” are pure audio blackness, evoking images of Euronymous’ beloved frostbitten Norway. On the other side of the spectrum is “Arctic Wrath – Blood and Bone”. This is the most punk track on here. D-beats dominate and the riff sounds straight out of the UK82 movement.
No matter where Reaper is leaning on the stylistic spectrum, one thing is for certain: Unholy has enough riffs to satisfy every serious headbanger’s need. Singer/guitarist Ityphallic Flaggelator delivers them one after the other as if his life depended on it. My favorite track and riff is “Severing the Tentacles of Faith”, though the Venom-esque “Ravenous Storm of Piss” comes in at a close second.
If you need a fix of filth and fury, look no further than Unholy Nordic Noise. Reaper is the name and blackened speed insanity is their game!
7 out of 10
Label: Iron Bonehead Productions
Genre: Black/Speed Metal
For fans of: Bathory, Mayhem, Venom