Album Reviews : Ov Hell – The Underworld Regime

Over the course of the history of rock and metal, there have been inevitable partnerships of highly respected musicians within certain genres forming “supergroups”, one of the first being the 60’s  rock band Cream. Fast forward to 2010, black metal now has its own supergroup in Ov Hell, co-founded by Shagrath (Dimmu Borgir) and King (Gorgoroth), and also featuring Ice Dale (Enslaved/Audrey Horne), Frost (Satyricon/1349) and Teloch (God Seed).

The Underworld Regime  moves away from fancy keyboards, overproduction and general “prettiness”, harking back to black metal’s roots with a sound reminiscent of early Bathory, Born of the Flickering-era Old Man’s Child, Emperor and Dissection in varying degrees throughout the album.

The title of the opening track Devil’s Harlot might sound a bit clichéd, but don’t let that deter you. Post Modern Sadist and Ghosting have the most obvious Bathory influence (listen to Bathory’s Under the Sign of the Black Mark after listening to this album and you’ll see what I mean), while even elements of Dimmu Borgir‘s and Gorgoroth‘s signature sound can be heard in one or two tracks without being a blatant rip-off, despite the two key members of Ov Hell also being a member of those bands respectively.

Overall, The Underworld Regime is an impressive effort for a debut album, in all its antichrist, nails-and-spikes goodness (or evilness?). 10/10

Band: Ov Hell
Album: The Underworld Regime
Year: 2010
Genre: Black Metal
Origin: Norway
Label: Indie Recordings/Riot!
www.ovhell.com
www.myspace.com/ovhell
www.facebook.com/ovhell666

Track Listing:
1. Devil’s Harlot
2. Post Modern Sadist <- Reviewer’s Choice
3. Invoker <- Reviewer’s Choice
5. Perpetual Night
6. Ghosting
7. Acts of Sin <- Reviewer’s Choice
8. Krigsatte Faner
9. Hill Norge