Within the realms of the metal scene there are those that rank among the royals such as Judas Priest, Slayer, Metallica and others yet one band that has stayed true despite past changes within their career CELTIC FROST has been an influential forerunner. Influencing such artists as Nirvana’s Kirk Cobain, Obituary, Death, Anthrax and countless others CELTIC FROST has dominated the extreme music realms making them a force to be reckoned with. Despite changes within their group and music structures from members to sound one person still holds the torch through it all and that is none other than Tom Warrior. One thing that I have to give credit to this band is that despite it all the group has inspired many of metal heads forging their own careers as well as being a source of pure metal inspiration.

Having the chance to review Danse Macabre, unfortunately I was unable to experience this box set in its entirety but nonetheless the listening experience was well worth it. Consisting of five CD’s (46 tracks from 1984-87) Morbid Tales (full album, remastered), To Mega Therion (full album plus Tragic Serenades bonus tracks, remastered), Into The Pandemonium (full album plus I Won’t Dance bonus tracks, remastered), Emperor’s Return (full EP plus bonus tracks, remastered), Grave Hill Bunker Rehearsals (1984 rehearsal tracks). Not only that, but comes with a hard cover 40-page book with some unseen band pictures both past and present along with new interviews with Tom Warrior and Reed St Mark. Just when you think that’s enough, it also includes necromanic union badge, two-sided poster and a Danse Macabre woven patch.

When listening to these albums one can hear CELTIC FROST's progression through their music as they say let the music speak for itself. When trying to think of certain songs that are listening favorites, I had to reflect to figure out which ones I liked and so forth. Going to be honest here, all DANSE MACABRE 46 tracks are the ultimate powerhouse of sheer listening pleasure from Visions of Mortality, Messiah (1984 Rehearsal), Tears In A Prophet’s Dream and the list could go on. To all CELTIC FROST fans old and new, this is a must have in anyone’s music library for Danse Macabre hands down is a fine collection of metal music perfection.