IMMORTAL - Diabolical Fullmoon Mysticism CD

This might be very raw and unpolished, but in my opinion this is prime Immortal. The band sounds so far removed from the metal that was helping influence it not even ten years earlier from acts like Mercyful Fate, Hellhammer, and early teutonic thrash bands like Sodom, Destruction, and the aforementioned Kreator. Even in this somewhat infantile state Immortal seem to be masters of their craft. A Perfect Vision of the Rising Northland is a nine minute album closer that feels half its runtime because of how well the band utilize their ideas throughout its runtime. The musicianship, while not incredibly technical is full of tension and one time drummer Armagedda delivers some great fills throughout. Overall this is an outstanding and very influential release, far more authentic evil sounding than any of Immortal’s later albums. This is among the most important black metal albums ever made, and will remain timeless as long as the sub-genre is relevant in metal.