As you may know the sound has changed a lot since Sabathon left in 2006 changing their sound significantly. With albums like “Tetra Karcist” (2007) and “Pentagrammaton” (2010) they put themselves back on the map. The music became more occult and ritualistic but somehow managed to fit with the older discography. In my case it means that I like the old and the new Enthroned. They both have their own charm albeit the dark feelings of their newer invocations go a little deeper than their  majestic sound from the 90’ies, and now it is time for “Ashspawn” to take hold of the throne again.

The question is: are they a good contender for the Black Metal throne? The answer is no unfortunately. It feels a bit like a toned down version of their previous albums. Doesn’t mean that the songs are bad though. It is just that the production of “Ashspawn” is bloody awful.

I have listened it countless times. On my headphone, on my stereo, on high and low quality headphones, in my car but the sound is  rather messy. I almost hear no bass, the vocals are mixed way in the back and the guitars sound unclear. Or is it the quality of the mp3 I received? I just don’t know.

But by Satan’s bullocks it shore is a pity because the songs themselves are quite ok. So let’s delve in these songs won’t we?

The album opens with “Crawling Temples” which after a short intro ravages your unholy soul with blasting drum patterns and shedding guitars.

“Basilisk Triumphant” is as fast and ferocious. It feels like the hounds of hell are on your heels and Nornagest shrieks and growls as if summining all dark souls from the abyss.

“Stillborn Lithany” is a speed monster and aggressive parts and the title track has an aggressive approach yet keeps variation with hooks and breaks.

The majority of the songs are fast, relentless and full of hell and contains loads of occult atmosphere. Luckily, with “Ashen Advocacy” we get a breather….albeit for a while. This song has great atmosphere and is one of the best tracks of this album.

The maniacal and utter dark and slow yet threatening “Assertion” makes a fitting end to the madness provided.

To be clear: I don’t mind when Black Metal is lo-fi. As long as it doesn’t hinder the quality of the song itself. And with this album this is the case. It really is a pity that I can’t get on with the sound of “Ashspawn”. Otherwise, it should have plenty of chills and thrills to get your occult Black Metal booty going.

When the sound would have been better it would have had a much higher grade. But maybe you think otherwise. Maybe,  the production is fitting for you. If that’s the case give “Ashspawn” a go. Enthroned certainly deserves a chance. But for now, I will listen their older stuff and forget this ordeal.

1. Crawling Temples

2. Basilisk Triumphant

3. Stillborn Litany

4. Ashspawn

5. Raviasamin

6. Sightless

7. Chrysalid

8. Ashen Advocacy

9. Assertion