The Putrid Power of Nekrogoblikon’s Stench: A Goblin Metal Masterpiece
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when you mix technical melodic death metal with the chaotic energy of a 10th-century tavern brawl and a healthy dose of green-skinned misanthropy, look no further than Nekrogoblikon. While their later work like Welcome to Bonkers brought them viral fame, many purists will tell you that their 2011 sophomore effort, Stench, is the true crown jewel of "goblin metal". More Than Just a Gimmick
When Stench dropped on July 19, 2011, it took the lo-fi basement energy of their debut, Goblin Island, and injected it with professional production and terrifying technicality. The band, originating from Santa Barbara, California, managed to blend Scandinavian melodic death metal (think Children of Bodom) with Finnish folk influences (like Finntroll) and symphonic layers.
The result? A polished, frenetic assault that reviewers from MetalSucks praised for its "immense talent" and 4.5/5 level of quality. Key Tracks and Putrid Highlights
The album is a relentless journey through the "Land of Stench." Here are the essential highlights: Nekrogoblikon - Prince of the Land of Stench (lyric video)
, specifically referencing the track "Prince of the Land of Stench" and the detailed, grotesque artwork showcasing "The Bog". This seminal work, released in 2011, is a cornerstone of the band's "goblin metal" identity. The Boiling Sea | Nekrogoblikon STENCH - Nekrogoblikon - Bandcamp
Nekrogoblikon's 2011 album, Stench, is a chaotic masterpiece of melodic death metal and folk-inspired insanity. It is the record that effectively put "goblin metal" on the map, blending high-octane riffs with symphonic elements and a relentless sense of humor. The Musical Chaos nekrogoblikon stenchrar
The album's core identity lies in its refusal to be just one thing. While rooted in melodic death metal, it pulls heavily from folk metal, power metal, and even circus-like symphonics.
The Riffs: Technical and fast, heavily influenced by the Gothenburg sound but with a manic energy.
The Keys: This is where the "goblin" magic happens. The keyboards provide everything from epic orchestral swells to whimsical, almost cartoonish melodies that contrast with the aggressive vocals.
The Vocals: Nicholas "Scorpion" Von Doom delivers a versatile performance, ranging from guttural barks to high-pitched shrieks that perfectly embody the goblin persona. Standout Tracks
No One Survives: The undisputed centerpiece. Its infectious chorus and legendary music video made it a viral hit, but musically, it’s a brilliant display of how to balance heaviness with a pop-like hook.
The Bog: A showcase of the band's folkier side, featuring bouncy rhythms and a sense of adventure that feels like a trek through a swamp. The Putrid Power of Nekrogoblikon’s Stench : A
Bears: A fan favorite for its sheer absurdity and crushing breakdown. It highlights the band's ability to take a ridiculous concept and back it up with legitimate musical talent.
Prince of the Land of Stench: An epic that captures the grand scale the band is capable of, moving through multiple movements and moods. Production and Atmosphere
Reviewers on Encyclopaedia Metallum have noted that while the production is clean enough to let the complex layers breathe, the bass is occasionally lost in the mix. However, the straightforward drumming serves as a solid anchor for the "chaotic and bizarre catchy metal" that defines the experience. Final Verdict
Stench is more than a gimmick. It is a technically proficient, incredibly creative album that doesn't take itself too seriously while still delivering top-tier musicianship. It remains a essential listen for anyone who likes their metal with a side of madness. If you'd like to refine this review further, tell me:
Are you writing this for a personal blog, a metal forum, or a casual social media post?
Should I include more comparisons to other bands like Finntroll or Children of Bodom? Nekrogoblikon - Stench - Reviews - Encyclopaedia Metallum The Future of the Stenchrar As of 2025,
Nekrogoblikon formed in 2006, initially releasing the lo-fi, folk-metal leaning Goblin Island in 2007. However, it was Stench that marked a massive leap in production quality and musicianship. The album traded amateurish basement recordings for a "substantial slab of music" consisting of 12 tracks that run for nearly an hour of furious, melodic death metal. Key Tracks and Themes of Stench
The album's lyrical content shifted between "depressing, disgusting, and joyously sinister," often centered around mythological creatures wreaking havoc on humanity. THE STENCH OF NEKROGOBLIKON - NO CLEAN SINGING
As of 2025, Nekrogoblikon continues to tour and write. Following the departure of longtime vocalist Nicky Calonne in 2023 and the introduction of new frontman Dickie Allen (of Infant Annihilator fame), fans have wondered: Will the Stenchrar survive?
Early live footage suggests yes, but with a twist. Allen’s vocal range—capable of inhuman gutturals and stratospheric shrieks—has added a new layer to the Stenchrar. The “rar” is now deeper, more cavernous, almost Lovecraftian. Meanwhile, John Goblikon has hinted on social media that the upcoming album (tentatively titled Goblin 2: Even Goblin-er) will feature a track simply called “Stenchrar Supreme,” which he claims is “seven minutes of pure olfactory devastation.”
First, let’s break down the compound word. Stench is obvious—the foul, cloying odor of decay, unwashed bodies, swamp gas, and old mead. Rar is less a word and more a sound: the guttural, throaty roar a goblin makes when asserting dominance over a pile of loot or challenging a dwarf to a duel.
Combined, Stenchrar is not merely a smell or a noise. It is a state of being. According to lore snippets scattered across the band’s merchandise, lyric sheets, and between-song banter (often delivered by John Goblikon himself), Stenchrar refers to:
Nekrogoblikon have always occupied a curious corner of metal: part comedy troupe, part death-metal machine, part internet meme, and entirely committed to goblin-themed theater. Their 2024 album Stenchrar (stylized as STENCHRAR on some releases) continues that tradition while expanding the band’s sonic palette and narrative ambition. This post examines the record’s music, themes, lyrics, production, artwork, place in Nekrogoblikon’s career, and why Stenchrar matters to fans of extreme metal and metal comedy alike.
Note: This analysis assumes familiarity with Nekrogoblikon’s earlier work (e.g., Goblin Island, Power), but provides context for newcomers.