DARKTHRONE has returned. The most recognizable Norwegian black metal band brings to us their umpteenth release it seems. Barely giving us time to swallow and digest their previous release F.O.A.D., it seems that maybe there is nothing more to do for these two than to keep churning out albums one right after the other.

Following in the same vein as their last album F.O.A.D., Dark Thrones And Black Flags is seeing DARKTHRONE actually steering us away from traditional black metal. While the rockin’ changes were apparently coming to surface with Hate Them. The Cult Is Alive gave us a real taste for what is to become the latest incarnation of the sound that DARKTHRONE wants to give us. I think that they hit their stride with that album. Seems that Fenriz is treating us to his vocals more often than not these days. At least on 3 songs. His vocals are more lighthearted with his bellowing singing ala Isengard. Sometimes it can give a feel good/beer drinking edge to the music. As a black metal fan, I much prefer the wrath that comes from Nocturno Culto’s vocals. More harsh and full of hatred, and instantly recognizable. The music on this album has picked up right where F.O.A.D. left off. Shall we call this form of music black’n’roll or black thrash‘n’roll? There are elements of thrash, old school rock and black metal all mixed together. It is a concoction that only DARKTHRONE can get away with. The album is full of Nocturno Culto’s signature guitar work and Fenriz’s ompa thrash beats. Surprisingly, the title track is an instrumental, and though it is the 8th song, it sounds like it should have been the intro to the album. This album is good, but not as good as it could be. There are a few songs on Dark Thrones And Black Flags that are just not feeling it. The album quickly revives itself with Launchpad To Nothingness, reminding us that DARKTHRONE can still be that black metal band that you have always loved.

If you are a DARKTHRONE fan, then you must ad this album to your collection. If you are looking for the DARKTHRONE of old, then you will be disappointed. If you are willing to go with the flow of direction DARKTRHONE is taking then definitely check out Dark Thrones And Black Flags.