Darkthrone - Too Old Too Cold (EP)

I figured I would do a quick little review since there is only four tracks to be found on this small EP. This EP was issued as a single for the title track "Too Old Too Cold" with some fun songs thrown in for good measure just barely running over 12 minutes all together. Two tracks on this EP can be found in their full length "The Cult Is Alive" studio release (Too Old Too Cold, Graveyard Slut). The band acknowledged their shift in sound from more traditional black metal to elements in more punk, and rock and roll.

The EP kicks off with the title track "Too Old Too Cold". A tongue-and-cheek stab at both themselves, and current forerunners of the titular black metal genre. With lyrics "You call your metal black, It's just plastic lame and weak. We’re too old. Too cold" This track is a far-cry for what many think of when they hear the band name "Darkthrone". Not one blast beat to be found, nor a screeched cry, but a growl...that honestly sounds as though he (fenriz) has had enough shit. However, this song is still pure black metal. There are no clichés here, just raw "fuck you" energy. At the same time, this track is as close to a true rock and roll song as Darkthrone can get, which is ironic considering the songs themes and message. But at the same time as Fenriz says, "Nothing to prove, just a hellish rock n' roll freak".

The second track "High on Cold War" is more in line with what to expect from "old-school" Dark Throne. Blasting through the gates with a wailing guitar solo, the tempo is jacked farther up with another guitar not even thirty seconds later! Featuring Grutle on vocal duties from the black metal band Enslaved, the vocals are almost gargled, interlaced with both Norwegian and English lyrics. This is a true misanthropic anthem with lyrics like "Everything is bigger than you think... and you are smaller". The track is truly a drag through the swamp with just enough bubbles to keep from drowning. However, this song is missing that sinister energy that can be found on tracks from Transylvanian Hunger. I do believe that it should be said that a power group between Darkthrone and Enslaved would be absolutely worth pouring money into if the songs could maintain the chemistry found on this track.

Next up we have the track "Love in a Void", which is a cover by the band Siouxsie and the Banshees, originally recorded in 1979... which yes, is just as much as a surprise to me as anyone else. Darkthrone takes on a traditional take on this cover. Not much is added in terms of originality, apart from a faster tempo and a manic vocal style. It should be noted that there is actually some "singing" on this cover. More in line with an over exaggerated, almost mocking, baritone style when the chorus is sung. There is just something about this cover that leads me to believe that the band is mocking and insulting the original work, and if that is the case, I do not understand the inclusion or effort put into the track, however I could be far off with that assessment. Perhaps "Love in a Void" is the result of one too many brews in the studio, who knows for sure.

The final track on the EP is "Graveyard Slut" which is lyrically as ridiculous as the title suggests, but a fun song none the less. This song can be linked more closely to the punk and crust punk side the band has been categorized into. The track has a generous edge of 'drink beer and mosh' attitude that I think would be a blast to witness live. The songs general vibe can be associated with the 80's punk band FEAR mixed with some Misfits. With emphasis on the female figure and a dash of narcissism the song does not take itself too seriously, and I do not think it is meant to.

Overall, Too Old Too Cold is a fun and quick race through a crusty head of this giant that Darkthrone has created. No song seems to overstay its welcome or miss any major points the song is trying to portray. However, where the release falls is its simplicity. Fans of Darkthrone know that there is an evil that is supremely linked only to themselves, which is not highlighted here. The mocking tone throughout the release plays a factor in taking the EP too sincerely as it seems the members did not hold these songs of immense importance.

Spun on 12” White vinyl 2006 Peaceville Records.

Favorite Track(s) - High on Cold War

Score : 60/100