DARKTHRONE Stays Grim On “Pre-Historic Metal”, New Album Due Out In May

Darkthrone is celebrating 40 years of pretty much doing whatever the fuck they want with a new album called Pre-Historic Metal, due out May 8. It’s not black metal, but it’s definitely the closest thing to black metal we’ve gotten from the band in a while (or at least that one section toward the middle is). But I’m also a big fan of every Darkthrone era, so make up your own damn mind below.

“Prehistoric is a loose term. I just figure it’s our vibe – our take on things – and it’s more a statement that we use old styles to create something new,” said Fenriz of the new material.

Summarizing what the album represents, Fenriz explains: “It means that we are metal, with very loud guitars. ‘Frightfully barbaric but not without finesse,’ I call it. We collaborated in the studio more than ever – who’s playing what is still in a purple haze – but last but not least, it was a sort of hardening of the arteries. We decided to tighten the tourniquet and do eight effective songs brimming with riffs instead of the airy plodding we so much enjoy usually.”

Pre-Historic Metal was recorded at Chaka Khan Studios in Oslo, with production work conducted by Ole Øvstedal, Silje Høgevold, and Mads Luis. Mastering was carried out by Jack Control at Enormous Door and Maor Appelbaum Mastering.

Pre-orders are available here. You can also catch Darkthrone at one of their many tour dates below. Just kidding – that ain’t happening.