Bands like 1349 are proof that Norway will always be a hotbed of good, quality black metal. Whereas bands like Emperor, Mayhem, Immortal, Satyricon, etc., are either broken up or not releasing albums of PURE black metal anymore, 1349 continues to carry the blackened torch. 1349 have kind of a unique sound. While their guitars sound a bit like classic Satyricon and recent Thorns mixed together, the overall style is fairly new. It feels Norwegian--what with the cold, unforgiving sound in the guitar--but at the same time it has a more international sound to it. Of course, this is the natural result of a scene and genre that is evolving, changing. 1349 are definitely a band to watch.
