Album Review: Northern Krig’s “Worship Files For Anthropophagolagnia Predators”
Norwegian
black metal continues to assert its dominance with Northern Krig’s
latest full-length, Worship Files For Anthropophagolagnia Predators, set
to release on February 15, 2026. Following their debut Concept Of A Suicidal
Journey, this record condenses the band’s raw, abrasive energy into a
concise 28-minute assault across 10 tracks. Active since 2021, Northern Krig
have built a reputation for uncompromising, self-recorded black metal, and this
album pushes that ethos further, delivering a tightly woven narrative both
musically and atmospherically. The line-up features Morfran on vocals
and guitar, Miasma handling guitar and bass, and Maikon Q on
drums, with Koldbrynger from Germany contributing guest vocals to
intensify the sonic brutality.
The album
opens with “Bird Of Prey”, immediately establishing a dark, unsettling
atmosphere. The intro, layered with bizarre vocal textures and a foreboding
tone, sets the listener in a murky, almost ritualistic landscape—classic raw
Norwegian black metal territory. Transitioning into “The Vile Red Phoenix of
the Palest Moon”, Northern Krig hit the listener with dissonant guitars and
relentless blast beats. Morfran’s high-pitched shrieks cut through the chaotic
instrumentation, creating an intense auditory storm that leaves no room for
comfort.
Interestingly,
the band incorporates interludes to provide breathing space between their
unrelenting ferocity. “Spitting The Seeds Of Obliteration And Violence”
serves as the first palate cleanser, a short, eerie piece that prepares the
listener for the previously released single “Torment And Sexual
Annihilation”. With its old-school drum rolls and mid-track breathing room,
it recalls early ’90s black metal aesthetics while remaining unflinchingly
modern in its execution. The accompanying music video, set in a shadowed
Norwegian forest, visually mirrors the sonic desolation and intensity of the
track.
Following
this, “Juvenile Battlefield Of Darkness” acts as a brief interlude,
seamlessly leading into “Hunting A Nourishing Territory”. This track is
more rhythmically engaging, anchored by a commanding opening scream and
hypnotic riffs. Its recent black-and-white video, juxtaposing the band’s
instruments with wolves and forest imagery, highlights the cinematic quality
Northern Krig infuse into their compositions. The song has a faint Burzum-esque
aura in its approach, particularly in pacing and atmosphere, though the band’s
style remains distinctly their own.
As the
album progresses, “Draining The Scent Of Purity” continues the momentum,
blending slow, deliberate passages with sudden bursts of blast beats and
intertwined melodic shrieks, eventually returning to a slower, almost
ceremonial conclusion. After a penultimate interlude, the album culminates with
“I Am King”, a fittingly grandiose finale that consolidates the record’s
narrative arc and leaves the listener with a sense of dark majesty.
The flow
between tracks demonstrates thoughtful sequencing: the interludes punctuate the
chaos while guiding the listener through varied emotional landscapes. Despite
its brevity, the album feels like a complete journey—intense, disturbing, and
evocative. Worship Files For Anthropophagolagnia Predators is a record
that captures the essence of Norwegian black metal while pushing its boundaries
in storytelling and atmosphere.
For collectors, the limited 66-disc edition signed in lamb’s blood and 40 cassette copies via Rat Covenant Records are an additional thrill. This is not just an album to listen to—it's one to experience, perhaps even to take along on a desolate winter getaway, where its dark, immersive soundscape can resonate fully. Northern Krig have delivered a concise, brutal, and narratively cohesive record that affirms their place in modern black metal.
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