About.com Rating

Ondskapt are not the most productive band out there, Watain released one of year’s biggest turkeys not too long ago and the departure of frontman Tobias Sidegård has cast a shadow of uncertainty over Necrophobic’s career. Dark times indeed. But fret not, Swedish black metal faithful, as Valkyrja are here to take care of you.

Combining the brooding atmosphere of Ondskapt, the excellent sense of melody of (pre-The Wild Hunt) Watain and the death metal leanings of Necrophobic, The Antagonist’s Fire is a quintessential Swedish black metal album as well as the band’s best effort to date.


The balance between intensity and melody is deftly maintained throughout and a tangible sense of vitality is evident from the get-go. You want something that manages the rare feat of being both acerbic and accessible? Here, have a slice of “The Cremating Fire.”

How about something that will have fans of old Dissection and Vinterland drooling at the mouth? No problem – “Yearn to Burn” will take care of all your needs (those melodies at 2:43 will blow your socks off, so make sure you have an extra pair nearby). Hmmm, how about a quick detour into death metal territory? Sink your teeth into “Eulogy (Poisoned, III and Wounded)”. It’s all here and ready to kick some behind.

Not to spout nothing but hyperbole, but this really is an ace album on all fronts. That patented Swedish vibe is all over the place, the delivery is tight and energetic and the production is surprisingly crisp. It has to be said, however, that Valkyrja aren’t necessarily reinventing the wheel on The Antagonist’s Fire, but as far as this style goes they check all the right boxes.

If you’re like me, and you share my bitter disappointment at what Watain have become, then get your grubby little paws on this album in all haste.

(released November 12, 2013 on World Terror Committee)