Twelve years have passed by now since the Swedish sickos of NIFELHEIM released their classic self-titled debut album via Necropolis Records. Twelve years in which they first and foremost delivered a bunch of vinyls (a compilation album and split EPs), but only four full length albums, of which “Envoy Of Lucifer” is their newest offering now. I suppose this album, their debut on Regain Records, is probably closest to the musical vision that NIFELHEIM already had ever since the origin of the band, but failed to achieve due to limited musical abilities back then. If you know how much Tyrant and Hellbutcher have worshipped IRON MAIDEN for many many years now, it’s no wonder that these influences would sooner or later find their way into their own material. And on “Envoy Of Lucifer” it definitely shines through more obvious than before. But don’t get me wrong here: NIFELHEIM is still 100% true to their own roots, which means the material is still raw as fuck and totally dispises any modern influences. It’s just that they have adopted the wellknown twin guitar attacks of early MAIDEN (debut album) stronger than ever and perfectly incorporated them into tracks like ‘Open The Gates Of Damnation’ (THE definite hymn of this record, known from the NIFELHEIM / SADISTIK EXEKUTION split EP already!), ‘Storm Of The Reaper’, ‘Raging Flames’ or ‘No More Lies’. Combined with their own unique brand of harsh thrashing Metal (somewhere in between classic VENOM and early KREATOR with traces of old Black Metal) it results in the most varied NIFELHEIM release to date. Except for ‘Claws Of Death’ (which I don’t get into at all) all of the ten tracks turned out highly impressive and might even gain them a bigger following after all, yet maintaining their loyal fanbase. So, “Envoy Of Lucifer” perfectly proves that there’s in fact way more to NIFELHEIM than just spikes, leather and booze. Great one! www.regainrecords.com

“Envoy Of Lucifer” is the fourth album of the crazy Hardrock twins, but they are still doing their blasphemous Black / Thrash / morbid Death Metal combo, but now they do have a very powerful line-up, both guitar players from NECROPHOBIC, the drummer of legends MERCILESS, and this is for me their definitely best album (couldn’t agree more! – Frank). Ok, yes some crazy South American die hard fans were saying this is now music for people in love… well, in love with the Devil it must be. Yeah, the album is a bit more controlled and bit more melodic, but do not forget that they are die hard IRON MAIDEN fans and that they rule forever and that is the law. Oh, yes and also the songs are a bit longer and have a bit more of riffs, but it’s mighty NIFELHEIM we are talking about! The production is actually a bit dirtier in the drum section so they do not drift away from a raw and brute edge their music is known for, yet having a pair of killer guitar players, means a few solos here and there, but this oozes venom everywhere and there is no change in the vocal delivery of Mr. Hellbutcher. I can hear a lot more SLAYER influence, which is not a surprise given that Araya and the boys were the damn band to be in their ’80s incarnation. The songs are so good here that yes, you will be humming them, like ‘Gates Of Damnation’, with one of the best chorus ever created for the glory of the Black Beast. By the way, the album title is also hiding some homage to an obscure Metal band. I was able to see the band live with this line-up and it was definitely some of the best shows I have ever been present, their dedication to the demons and to praise Bruce Dickinson and gang was unbelievable. Again, damn those guys at Darkness Shall Rise Productions, because they will make you buy this thing again and again and again until satanic victory is complete. This is a hardcover digibook CD that includes exclusive pictures and an interview with Tyrant and Hellbutcher highlighting the corresponding period of the band’s history in a 30-page booklet. And yes, be aware of killer different formats. To keep it pure, this is just the same as the original one, Satan himself wouldn’t want it a different way! www.facebook.com/nifelheim.official, www.facebook.com/darknessshallriseproductions