Between Two Worlds by I
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Release date : November 2006
Reviewed by Anthony Morgan
Background information
Review
Background information
I has been tagged in the Metal press as a Norwegian supergroup, boasting members of none other than Immortal, Gorgoroth and Enslaved amongst their ranks. Immortal lyricist Demonaz handles the words to all the songs, although doesn't undertake any instrumental duties. Only a single live appearance they've committed, and that was in August 2006 at the Hole in the Sky festival in Bergen, Norway.
Review
Between Two Worlds marks another of Nuclear Blast's 2006 releases which pays more than a passing nod at the altar of British institution Motorhead, the other being August's Doomsday Rock 'N' Roll by Chrome Division (Dimmu Borgir vocalist Shagrath's side project). Abbath readily pours hoarse menacings across the album's material like a hefty bag of cement, lending the weighty numbers aid to find a definite shape. This solidifies as the album progresses, where Abbath's grimacing snarl indelibly stamps its own individual vocal identity through sheer perseverence. Even though it fails to wholly strip away the obvious Lemmy-esque drones, it still retains a savage personality that shines through.
The songs never stray into long, stretched epics, so the valiant riffs never devolve into brittle, haggard pieces that should be laid to rest. Keeping a tight leash upon the tracks respective lengths proves to be the correct choice, with several tracks begging to be the outstanding cut. That distinction goes to "Warriors", an unquestionable classic which will be with us for many years to come. Its Classic Metal introduction personifies aching fear, and the longing for eternal battle which its lyrical content hints at. Mid-paced, it belts along by soaking up all the heart and furious passion a warriors' tale can reasonably command.
The majority of side endeavours can be dismissed as abortive projects, and ones that lurk in the shadow of their main work. Cutting the apron strings, this group treads away from its familial environment so that it can live and breath independently in the large, wide globe. It's an unfortunate shame this group isn't a full time venture, as this act has the enormous potential to build a successful career, cut a revered body of recorded material, and to undertake sparkling live performances.
