THE BLACK - THE PRIEST OF SATAN (1994)

Both my old CD copy on Necropolis Records and the just released 2018 vinyl reissue on Osmose Productions limited to 300 copies (some say). There's also a red LP release (200 copies some say).

Did a post on this album about 1.5 years ago on my Instagram account but never on the blog. This album is so great that it deserves yet another post.

Last time I bitched about the two 2003 LP releases being too expensive. Well now I can finally spin The Priest Of Satan on my record player.

Jon Nödtveidt of Dissection joined The Black or The Black Flame as they were back called then in 1992 when he was 17 years old. While studying at the art school at Eskilstuna.
If you're unfamiliar with Sweden's geography Eskilstuna in located approx 110 kilometers west of Stockholm and that's far away from his place of origin Strömstad (and later Göteborg).

Jon calls himself Rietas in The Black plays guitar, keyboard and sings. His performance is of course pure brilliance.

The same lineup, plus guitarist Black Demon, released a demo called Black Blood in October of 1992 that Jon only is the vocalist on. It got released on CD by Necropolis Records in 1996 that I highly recommend getting. All 7 of the demo songs appears on The Priest Of Satan that altogether has 12 songs.

It starts with a very moody keyboard instrumental song The Beast Of Fire then we’re treated with the great The Book Of Leviathan. We're in for a great 39 min ride of amazing Black Metal. The songs are often under 3 minutes, usually those from the demo. The keyboard isn't overused and really fills a purpose whenever they're used.

The Priest Of Satan doesn't sound like any other band from the Scandinavian scene especially at the time in my opinion. It’s very unpolished and nothing at all like Dissection so if you're looking for a new The Somberlain (1994) you will be disappointed.

But the rough production and recording is very fitting for The Black. This lineup only released one full length studio album and it definitely has its place in the Swedish Black Metal history.

My 1st print CD was actually found at the record store in my hometown that sold used CD, LP, VHS etc. in the mid 90’s. It's quite expensive these days, because Necropolis Records shelved many of them in order for “better prints”. Those have a different booklet, CD design and the layout on the back of the case. I prefer my original one but those are just minor details.

The Priest Of Satan wasn’t released on LP until 2003 by two different company's. Both in limited quantities one had 300 copies and the other 666 copies. Don't know if those prices will drop with this reissue. I’m fine with this re-release (that's also available on red vinyl and CD). Sometimes the Osmose reissues can be a bit hit or miss. Especially with the layout but I like this one even if the cover is in black and white. You should grab yourself a copy if you want a vinyl release of it.

The Black was resurrected and released an album in 2008 with only the drummer, called The Black, left of the lineup that recorded The Priest Of Satan. There's also two members that was involved with probably the now most overrated band ever in the Swedish scene Vinterland. Have only heard that album about 2 or 3 times. Don't remember anything of what I heard so it's not on my "wishlist".

Usually say that The Priest Of Satan is a top-10 Swedish Black Metal album and I still stand by that statement but there’s MANY that I would have to fit within those 10 records.

Anyway The Priest Of Satan is a must have album in every Black Metal collection. I'm NOT just saying that because it's a release that Jon Nödtveidt was involved in during the glorious 90's!