Band:	Gorgoroth
Album:	Quantos Possunt Ad Satanitatem Trahunt
Style:	Black metal
Release date:	October 21, 2009
Guest review by:	Got Mayhem?

01. Aneuthanasia
02. Prayer
03. Rebirth
04. Building A Man
05. New Breed
06. Cleansing Fire
07. Human Sacrifice
08. Satan-Prometheus
09. Introibo ad Alatare Satanas

Over the previous decade the band Gorgoroth had become more of a Soap Opera than band, with the numerous exploits of individual band members becoming as synonymous with the name as the music itself. Instead of boring you with stories you've most likely have already heard I'll just cut to the chase: Gaahl is out, Pest is in and Infernus and crew have assembled in quick time to release a new album.

With the opening militant rhythm of "Aneuthanasia" you immediately notice a number of differences musically from the Gaahl and King era. The guitars sound tighter yet rawer at the same time and Pest gives a vocal performance similar to the one he gave on Under The Sign Of Hell, though perhaps a bit deeper in pitch (a la Hat's Donald Duck impersonations). Second track "Prayer" works in a similar fashion with mid paced riffs and a chilling vocal performance. One element that also stands out is the new drummer Tomas Asklund, who works very well to reinforce the main rhythm of the guitars.

The next song, "Rebirth", is the most important one on the entire album. It is with this song that Gorgoroth throw off their Soap Opera shell and spew disgust and their old, molted skin. Though they do not print their lyrics, some lines which stand out are: "No media whores...No talking for money...No swollen egos...Rebirth of Gorgoroth". With this declaration of renewal the band tells the listener that they truly wish to be free of their recent past. Another standout track is "Cleansing Fire" which almost sounds like it could have been on Under The Sign Of Hell.

The production on this album is quite good, it remains raw yet still allows ample room for each musician to be heard (Except perhaps for the bassist, though this is a problem which has plagued Black Metal since the First Wave). The riffing should be appealing to anyone who enjoys some Black Thrash or mid-paced militant Black Metal. Overall, I really did enjoy this album. It isn't the best thing since slice bread, nor is it inventive and progressive within the genre. However, what Quantos Possunt ad Satanitatem Trahunt does quite well is provide quality music while making a statement which many did not believe Gorgoroth would be able to make after such a major change in lineup.

Truly, Gorgoroth have made a great stride in their Rebirth. Hopefully they will be able to avoid slipping back down into their murky past.