Band:	Satyricon
Album:	The Age Of Nero
Style:	Black metal
Release date:	October 31, 2008
Guest review by:	Silent Creeper

Disc I
01. Commando
02. The Wolfpack
03. Black Crow On A Tombstone
04. Die By My Hand
05. My Skin Is Cold
06. The Sign Of The Trident
07. Last Man Standing
08. Den Siste

Disc II [limited edition bonus]
01. My Skin Is Cold [EP version]
02. Live Through Me [live]
03. Existential Fear Questions [live]
04. Repined Bastard Nation [live]
05. Mother North [live]
06. The Pentagram Burns [radio edit version]
07. Last Man Standing [guitar wall mix version]
08. Den Siste [analog mix version]
+ K.I.N.G. [video]
+ The Pentagram Burns [video]

Satyricon never was typical, close minded black metal band. They developed specific style over last few years which caused that they lost some old (let me say more conservative) fans but on the other hand also gained new ones. This is also quite ironic thing because their "new style" is much more rock'n'roll oriented and much closer to the so called first wave of black metal movement.

The Age Of Nero definitely follows the same direction as their previous album Now, Diabolica and pushes minimalistic sound from the last album even further. It does not contain any ballast substance, there is no unnecessary complicated guitars riffs, no overlong solos or anything like that. Songs are based on "straight to the point" recipe, powerful and memorable guitar riffs and strong choruses. Production is much more clean than on the last album and gives album extremely natural, almost raw (not in usual black metal term) sound. Satyr's and Frost performance may not be on extremely high technical level but is optimal for this kind of album structure.

Even though album is minimalistic is a grower. It gets better with every new listening, you just have to give it some time. There are only two problems that consider this release. Firstly, album is too short. It is a bit over 42 minutes long, but it ends before you even know it. The second problem does not really concern this album but can cause issues in the future. Minimalism on this album is forced to the maximum and Satyricon can have serious problems in finding new and original riffs next time. But let us wait until next album.

To conclude with, you can say this album is simplistic as it gets, but in a good way, where all unnecessary ingredients are left out and only essence of songs remains. If you care more how the dish is prepared than how it tastes, then this album probably is not for you. But if you think the final result is more important, then you should check this one out. And remember, give it some time.