Tsjuder: Antiliv (2015)

Antiliv, released on September 18, 2015, by Season of Mist, is a raw and aggressive black metal album by Tsjuder. It stays true to traditional black metal themes with dark, nihilistic lyrics and fast-paced, unrelenting instrumentation. The limited edition includes bonus tracks and covers of Mayhem and Beherit, making it a notable addition for collectors.

Track Listing

Kaos
Krater
Norge
Djevelens mesterverk
Demonic Supremacy
Slumber with the Worm
Ved ferdens ende
Antiliv

Album length: 46:13

Music genre

Black metal

The Lineup for the Album

Nag: bass, lead vocals
Draugluin: guitars, backing vocals
AntiChristian: drums

Release Date

September 18, 2015

Record Label

Season of Mist

Recording Date

2015

Recording Studio

Oslo Klang Studio (Oslo, Norway) and Farm Studio (Surnadal, Norway)

Produced by

Tsjuder and Harald Værnor

Album Themes/Concept

Misanthropy and Anti-Life Philosophy: The album title, Antiliv (Anti-Life), directly reflects one of its core themes: a profound disdain for human existence and society. The lyrics convey a nihilistic and misanthropic worldview, expressing contempt for humanity and life itself. Songs like “Antiliv” and “Krater” delve deeply into themes of destruction and the rejection of life’s value, aligning with the anti-life philosophy.

Death and Destruction: Consistent with traditional black metal, Antiliv explores themes of death, decay, and destruction. The lyrics often depict violent and catastrophic scenarios, emphasizing the inevitable demise and chaos that define existence. Tracks such as “Demonic Supremacy” and “Slumber with the Worm” vividly describe scenes of death and decay, underlining the album’s grim outlook.

Darkness and Evil: The album is steeped in themes of darkness and evil, portraying malevolent forces and the allure of the dark side. These themes are expressed through vivid imagery and a relentless, aggressive tone. “Djevelens mesterverk” (The Devil’s Masterpiece) exemplifies this theme, focusing on the glorification of dark, evil forces and their supremacy.

Norwegian Heritage and Paganism: Some tracks incorporate elements of Norwegian heritage and pagan beliefs, reflecting the band’s cultural background and the influence of ancient Norse mythology. These themes are often interwoven with the band’s darker lyrical content. “Norge” (Norway) blends national pride with dark, pagan imagery, creating a tribute to the band’s homeland while maintaining the album’s overall grim atmosphere.

Cosmic and Apocalyptic Visions: The lyrics also touch upon cosmic and apocalyptic themes, envisioning a world consumed by chaos and ruin. This expands the album’s scope beyond earthly concerns to a more universal scale of destruction. “Kaos” (Chaos) captures this cosmic and apocalyptic vision, describing a universe in turmoil and the ultimate triumph of chaos over order.

Album Mood

Relentlessly Aggressive: The album maintains a consistently aggressive and intense mood throughout. The fast-paced drumming, fierce guitar riffs, and harsh vocals create an atmosphere of unrelenting brutality. Tracks like “Kaos” and “Demonic Supremacy” exemplify this aggression, driving forward with relentless speed and force.

Dark and Nihilistic: Antiliv is steeped in darkness and nihilism, reflecting themes of misanthropy, death, and the rejection of life. The lyrics and music together cultivate a sense of hopelessness and disdain for humanity. The title track “Antiliv” and “Krater” delve into these themes, offering a grim outlook on existence and human nature.

Evil and Malevolent: The album exudes a malevolent energy, with lyrics that celebrate dark forces and evil. This mood is reinforced by the sinister tones and aggressive delivery of the music. “Djevelens mesterverk” (The Devil’s Masterpiece) and “Slumber with the Worm” are prime examples, invoking imagery of demonic power and malevolent entities.

Raw and Uncompromising: The production of Antiliv is raw and unpolished, which enhances its uncompromising nature. This approach gives the album an authentic black metal feel, rejecting modern production techniques in favor of a grittier sound. The overall sound of the album, especially in tracks like “Ved ferdens ende” (At the End of the Journey), captures this raw, unrefined essence.

Atmospheric and Haunting: Despite its aggression, the album also possesses an atmospheric quality that can be haunting. The music creates a dense, foreboding soundscape that envelops the listener. “Norge” and “Kaos” utilize atmospheric elements to build a haunting backdrop, adding depth to the album’s intense sound.

Album Trivia

Recording and Production Locations: Antiliv was recorded at two notable studios in Norway: drums were recorded at Oslo Klang Studio, while guitars, bass, and vocals were tracked at Farm Studio. Mixing and mastering took place at Sonic Train Studios in Varberg, Sweden, under the expertise of Andy LaRocque, known for his work with King Diamond.

Collector’s Edition: The limited edition of Antiliv is a collector’s delight, featuring a special digipak with five bonus tracks, a flag, and a band patch. This edition includes rehearsal versions of songs and covers of “Deathcrush” by Mayhem and “Unholy Pagan Fire” by Beherit, paying homage to the Norwegian and Finnish black metal scenes respectively.

Musical Style and Reception: While staying true to traditional black metal roots, Antiliv introduces some novel elements to Tsjuder’s discography. The album combines aggressive, fast-paced black metal with occasional groovy and catchy riffs, particularly evident in tracks like “Norge.” Critics and fans have noted that, despite its raw intensity, the album’s production is meticulous, highlighting the band’s attention to detail.

Notable Tracks: The opening track “Kaos” sets a brutal tone with its infernal blast beats and chainsaw riffs. “Norge” stands out for its groovy riffs, which add a somewhat danceable quality without compromising the raw black metal essence. The title track “Antiliv” evolves from mid-tempo riffs to a heavier, more majestic sound, making it a highlight of the album.

Listen or Pass

This album might be for you if you…

Enjoy Raw and Traditional Black Metal: If you appreciate the raw, unpolished sound of classic black metal with fast-paced, aggressive instrumentation, Antiliv will resonate with you. The album stays true to the traditional black metal style.
Are a Fan of Tsjuder’s Previous Work: Fans of Tsjuder’s earlier albums, like Legion Helvete, will find Antiliv a natural and satisfying continuation of their brutal and uncompromising sound.
Appreciate Dark, Nihilistic Themes: The album’s lyrics explore dark and nihilistic themes such as misanthropy, death, and anti-life philosophy, which are central to the black metal genre.
Like Atmospheric and Haunting Music: While the album is primarily aggressive, it also features atmospheric and haunting elements that add depth and texture to the listening experience.
Collect Limited Editions: The limited edition of Antiliv includes bonus tracks, a flag, and a band patch, making it a great addition for collectors and dedicated fans.

You might want to pass this one if you…

Prefer Polished Production: If you are looking for clean, polished production in your metal music, Antiliv might not meet your expectations. The album deliberately maintains a raw and gritty sound.
Dislike Extreme Themes: The album’s themes are dark, nihilistic, and anti-life. If you prefer metal with less extreme or more positive lyrical content, this album might not be for you.
Seek Melodic or Symphonic Elements: Antiliv is focused on raw aggression and does not incorporate melodic or symphonic elements. If you prefer metal that includes these aspects, you might find this album too harsh.
Find High-Speed Metal Overwhelming: The relentless pace and intensity of the tracks can be overwhelming. If you prefer slower, more varied tempos in your music, this album might be too intense for your taste.