“Total Death” was released in 1996 and due to the album title and the fact, that the colour of blue has returned in their cover artwork, one could think that they have returned to the Death Metal days a la “Soulside Journey”. But that’s wrong. This album is rather the best and most diversified DARKTHRONE record since “A Blaze In The Northern Sky”. This album is no doubt Black Metal with some Euro Thrash touches. It’s harsh, it’s midtempo or it’s just Thrash. Also the sound is the best in their history. But don’t expect some kind of power sound. We talk about DARKTHRONE, probably the weirdest group in the world! Individual and somehow original, these are they keywords.

The lyrics were provided by some famous members of the Norwegian Black Metal scene. Guys like Garm (ULVER), Ihsahn (EMPEROR), Carl Michael (VED BUENS ENDE) or Satyr (SATYRICON) are responsible for the sick lyrics. Normally is Fenriz the author of their lyrics. But this time, the band’s drummer hold himself back and apart from the guest lyricists, Nocturno Culto wrote some lyrics.

This album belongs to the biggest classics in the history of this band, in my opinion! It’s a must for all, who want to know, how Black Metal without any flourish has to sound to. (Online Dezember 17, 2004)