Wacken Open Air 2012 by Watain – A Blackened Blast Worth Your Time
Alright, let’s get into this gnarly live album from Watain called Wacken Open Air 2012. If you’re into black metal with that raw, unhinged energy, then buckle up because this one's gonna rip your face off. Released in 2013 under Pennemunde Records (props to the Netherlands for keeping it grim), this record captures the band tearing it up at one of metal's most legendary festivals. The artwork? Straight fire. Lucifera Artworks nailed that eerie vibe.
Now, I gotta say, there are some bangers on here, but two tracks really stuck with me: “Sworn To The Dark” and their cover of Dissection’s “The Somberlain.” Let me break it down real quick.
“Sworn To The Dark” is just pure chaos in the best way possible. It’s got those blasting drums that sound like they’re trying to summon demons, and Elias’ vocals? Dude sounds possessed—and I mean that as a compliment. There’s something about how tight yet feral the performance feels; it’s like they’re daring you to keep up. You can practically smell the sulfur while listening. Honestly, it’s one of those songs that makes you wanna throw your fists in the air even if you're just sitting on your couch eating chips.
And then there’s “The Somberlain,” which is kinda wild because covering Dissection is no joke—they’re basically gods in the black metal scene. But Watain doesn’t mess around. They take this track and inject it with their own venom. It’s heavier, nastier, and somehow still pays respect to the original. When the guitars kick in, it’s like being hit by a truck full of spikes. Like… damn. That’s how you do a cover.
One thing that struck me was how alive this album feels. It’s not just another live recording where everything sounds distant and muffled. Nope, every scream, riff, and drumbeat hits hard, like you’re right there in the crowd getting pummeled by the music. And yeah, sure, maybe the mix isn’t perfect, but who cares? Imperfections make it feel human—or, well, as human as Watain gets anyway.
So yeah, if you’re looking for an album that’ll drag you into the abyss and leave you gasping for air, check out Wacken Open Air 2012. Just don’t blame me if your neighbors start complaining about the noise.
Oh, and random thought: Listening to this made me wonder what Watain would be like playing in space. Would the lack of oxygen amp up their evilness or ruin the vibe? Food for thought.
