Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Fans of Satyricon have been awaiting a new album since 2013's self titled release that really split the masses into love/hate for that album. When 'Deep Calleth Upon Deep' was announced, I was very excited to see what Satyricon would be bringing to the table on this release. What you get on this album is an offering that is geared more towards a broad spectrum of listeners instead of specifically focusing on one contingent like some bands do. You get a little of the middle years black metal from the band on "Midnight Serpent" and more accessible, hook focused tracks like "To Your Brethren In The Dark", which is easily the catchiest track on the album. The album loses a little steam in the last four tracks with some of them seeming totally unnecessary and out of place and others feeling a bit overdone and drawn out entirely too long. I've listened to this album multiple times now and I distinctly prefer the first half of the album to the second half but I am quite happy with the overall output of this release and it won't be anywhere near as divisive as the band's self titled release would be. 'Deep' has me once again waiting with baited breath for what is up next for this iconic black metal entity.