URGEHAL Atomkinder CD

URGEHAL Atomkinder CD

Atomkinder is the re-release of Urgehal’s pivotal 3rd album, originally dropped in 2008 during a period of major transition for the Norwegian horde. This Agonia Records reissue restores the original cover artwork and layout, and includes a bonus track — making it the definitive edition of a cult classic that was unfairly missed by many upon its initial release.

Urgehal burst onto the scene a decade before this release with the classic debut Arma Christi and the potent sophomore effort Massive Terrestrial Strike. By the time Atomkinder arrived, founding bassist Chiron had departed, Trondr Nefas took over bass duties, and session drummer Uruz was promoted to permanent member. The resulting nucleus trio — Trondr Nefas, Enzifer, and Uruz — proved pivotal to the band’s dedication, continuity and eventual success. Without this album, Urgehal might have taken a very different path.

Clocking in under 30 minutes with just seven tracks (two of which are covers), Atomkinder is compact but overwhelming. The cover selections — Kreator’s “Ripping Corpse” and Sepultura’s “Antichrist” — are excellent tributes to the trailblazers of the genre. The Sepultura cover especially features an incredible guitar solo. But the original material is where the album truly shines: energetic, aggressive and surprisingly melodic, with hooks that make you headbang uncontrollably, jump around, and yes — even sing along. This is Black Metal through and through, but with a rare sense of enthusiasm and excitement.

Title track Atomkinder stands out for its immensely powerful guitar work, which permeates the entire album. Uruz’s drumming is exemplary — a wide variety of patterns and fills that are highly integral to the songs’ direction, not just beat-keeping. The dual guitar attack delivers sinister riffs that pummel your ears until they bleed, yet remain deeply musical. Trondr Nefas’s bass is clearly audible throughout, providing a solid sonic foundation. The production is solid and balanced — all instruments cleanly distinguished, nothing mixed too loud or too low.

This album gets better with each repeated listen. No small feat. If you want to get into Urgehal, there is no reason to overlook Atomkinder. Compact, concise, concentrated with killer tracks and a cover art so striking you can’t help but stare at it.

Tracklist

1. Atomkinder
2. Nocturnal Revelation
3. Through the Grace of Hell
4. Nyx
5. Ripping Corpse (Kreator cover)
6. Antichrist (Sepultura cover)
7. Bleed Suffer Die

Release Details

Listen Before You Buy

Listen HERE