The Summary Judgment Review:
Title: Pariah
Artist: Naglfar
Label: Century Media Records
Release Date: 7/12/05

Rating: 4 Skulls
  • Read the Review of Diabolical (Reissue)
  • Read the Reviews of Sheol
  • Read the Review of Ex Inferis
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    • Reviewed by Behemoth (11/8/05):
    It's truly time for a doom-laden apocalyptic masterpiece and Sweden's Naglfar have delivered an exceptional black metal album entitled Pariah. You know, the social reclusive outcast, the untouchable one. Before delving into this masterpiece, let's have a quick review of the bands’ discography. They've been conjuring the dark for over a decade, entering the realm with Vittra, followed by the brimstone of Diabolical and in 2003 Sheol - a dark, ferocious album. The band has traveled well, Europe, Japan, and a few shows in the States. They've shared the stage with industry stalwarts Deicide, Six Feet Under, Amon Amarth, and Nile. The band on countless occasions has captivated audiences worldwide and that's exactly what's going to happen with one listen to Pariah.

    The band gathered at local Swedish Ballerina Studios (Diabolical) to produce this vicious onslaught, which simply roars through the speakers. This album is so wicked it chills the soul, a manifesto with stunning impact. Death, salvation and murder, what a delightful repose. This conceptual album draws your in real close as they weave spells of the apocalypse, just follow along the script, it's all here for you, let's go - "Proclamation," "Swarm of Plagues," "Revelation Carved in Flesh," "None Shall Be Spared" - your flesh is now ours, get the picture? Racing forward, they are the haters of humanity who preach their loathing of mankind and the end of the world, led by the steady voice of malevolence. In their eyes, earth will become the repository of Hell.

    This album is simply off the chart brutality-wise, but at the same time it is truly a listenable release, a rarity with this genre. The band finds time to inject variable time changes, orchestrated melodies, and a well-placed piano intro into track number seven. The ever-constant signature black metal guitars are the lynch pin that hold this unholy bomb together. The raging guitar tracks are only surpassed by crushing drums, and devilish vocals which capture the evil winds of eternity. Stay tuned, they may be onto something - is the apocalypse near?
    4 out of 5

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