Troll

Despite having existed since 1992, Troll have only released four albums and a demo to date. Nevertheless, they've managed to draw an audience and experiment within the walls of black metal. Neo-Satanic Supremacy, the band's fourth effort, is a symphonic, blackened attack, with a focus on heavy, brooding atmospheres and straightforward, but solid, song structures. They've done away with the industrial influences that laced previous releases, instead returning to more or less strict black metal, with a symphonic edge. Because of the constant presence of keyboards, the arrangements could, at times, be deemed epic. However, considering the coldness of the guitars and the generally understated quality of the record, production-wise, Troll have succeeded in creating an old-meets-new-school record. Standout tracks include "Burn the Witch," "Morkets Skoger" and "Alt for Satan." With only one or two weak pieces, Neo-Satanic Supremacy is a sinister, engrossing album.