Nifelheim's '94 debut (rereleased in '09 on Regain) is a black metal landmark that fuses the raw smashing of Von or Sarcofogo with a patently Swedish sense for melody. While Norway's second wave obsessed over tremolo strophes and being grim, Nifelheim unloaded an endless clip of riffs, motoring double bass, and vocals spit forth with filthy vim ('Possessed by Evil'). Other cuts ('Sodomizer') stomp with a four-on-the-floor barbarism, invoking Nihilist more than Marduk. Though still nascent here, the band's gift for perverse anthem shines through on nearly every track. It's an iconic blend that's kept the LP and the band relevant for 20 years.