Nagelfar - Virus West

Band/artist - Nagelfar
Genre(s) - Black metal
Origin - Germany
Album - Virus West
Year of release - 2001

Another one of my very favourite German bands is Nagelfar. They are one of the first groups that incorporated the amount of atmosphere, intelligence, and intensity that I crave in black metal. If there is one band that may reach equal status to Lunar Aurora, it's this one. Virus West is their latest and last full-length, and while it sounds more dry, more direct and more guitar-based than their earlier material it's in no way a step down. Furious music with a vision far beyond the usual riffs and compositions, that is nonetheless black metal through and through. The twists and turns that this release displays are entirely intoxicating and there is one moment in particular I want to draw your attention to. Whatever you do, make sure you listen to Hetzjagd in Palästina (seemingly dealing with Christian Antisemitism) from, say, 5:00 to 6:12. Tell me that isn't the most triumphant and addictive riff that you've ever heard. Many more awesome moments are scattered across the album but the quality and atmosphere is consistently satisfying throughout its duration. The final two tracks are very raw demo versions. Any black metal fan owes it to themselves to check this one out, now.

1. Hellebarn (Halberd)
   
2. Sturm der Katharsis (Storm of catharsis)
   
3. Hetzjagd in Palästina (Witchhunt in Palestine)
   
4. Westwall
5. Fäden des Schicksals (Threads of fate)
   
6. Protokoll einer Folter (Torture protocol)
   
7. Meuterei (Mutiny)
   
8. Bieter des Kampfes (Provider of struggle)
   
9. Transilvanischer Hunger (Darkthrone cover)
   

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