Marc van der Pol of Allmusic approved: "On Pure Holocaust, dark, technically advanced, powerful, and challenging riffs propel the songs forward through a myriad of blasting drumbeats.

Yet surprisingly, the album also conveys a gentler ambience in sections, without the use of a trite "gothic" aesthetic.

"[2] In a Black Metal History[3] retrospective, Atanamar Sunyata wrote: "Every aspect of Immortal's game is accelerated on Pure Holocaust.

Demonaz unleashes distinctive riffs with uncanny rapidity, tremolo picking at inhuman speeds.

The album indicates a deep desire to up the black metal ante, bringing an increased focus on speed and brutality without completely breaking the mold Quorthon had so expertly cast.