Wednesday, May 22, 2013 22:41

Posts Tagged ‘Darker Than Black’

ÀRSAIDH – ROOTS (Darker Than Black)

Tuesday, May 21st, 2013

For some totally illogical reason – I have no idea why - I harboured very high expectations for this album, even though it comes from a totally unknown entity. Just had a gut feeling it was going to be great… Unfortunately, ‘Roots’ doesn’t manage to give me what I was hoping for.

Àrsaidh is a one-man act from Scotland performing atmospheric Black Metal which pays homage to the mysterious history and heritage of the creator’s native Highlands. Three lengthy songs plus one short instrumental add up to a total running time of 50 minutes.

A. boldly incorporates violin, keys, bagpipes (of course) and acoustic guitars into the mix but, alas, his ambition backfires as the folk influences become way too pronounced for my liking and, to my displeased ears, the songs come across as long rather than epic.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal taste and I find ‘Roots’ to be too melodic and lush. I’m sure lots of people will get off on this but I don’t particularly like pagan metal.

Evilometer: 222/666

Tags: , ,
Posted in Black | No Comments »

NORDVREDE – MONUMENT VIKTORIA (Darker Than Black Records)

Thursday, March 28th, 2013

This is the first time I’ve checked in on Norwegian outfit Nordvrede so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Due to the elite tag, I was worried that perhaps their music would be too ‘epic’ and ‘soaring’ for my liking but, thankfully, this is not the case. ‘Monument Viktoria’ comprises six cuts of rather excellent raw-yet-melodic Black Metal that fly from the speakers in the blink of an eye (i.e. 34 minutes).

There’s more than enough variety (and quality) here to hold my attention for the duration and there’s also adequate grimness to satisfy the inner beast in me. Ultimately, it’s aggression that I’m seeking and I discovered a good fix of anger and menace in Nordvrede’s addictive work. I don’t normally single out individual songs for attention, but the seven-minute fourth track, ‘Slaves Of The Conqueror’, is one of the best I’ve heard in a long time.

Contained within a lovely digipack, this CD boasts a superb sound and would possibly have achieved full marks were it a little longer (and perhaps a touch less melodic). All in all, this is a tidy release, though, and one worth supporting.

Evilometer: 555/666

Tags: , ,
Posted in Black | No Comments »

KAEVUM – NATUR LP (Darker Than Black Records / Sabbath’s Fire Records)

Sunday, June 17th, 2012

This was released last year but I only discovered it a month or so back. Glad I did because ‘Natur’ is a really cool underground Black Metal album, even if it does clock in a tad on the short side at barely over the half-hour mark. Thirty minutes does not a full-length album make, in my book.

The intolerant Norwegians manage to squeeze plenty of atmosphere and gloom into their dark template, the second track ‘La Mitt Rike Komme’ being a prime example of this. Generally, however, the music is very simple, almost garage-style BM, coarse and old school, loaded with a genuine we-don’t-give-a-flying-fuck attitude.

There’s something undeniably appealing about Kaevum’s total lack of charm and subtlety. Their abrasiveness, uncompromising approach and indefatigable spirit render ‘Natur’ an interesting and oftentimes rewarding experience. Nasty and irreverent, raw and unforgiving, but with the slightest hint of variation, this is something of a hidden gem for those more attuned to menacing vibes than stellar production techniques.

A nice record to have and to hold; pity it’s not longer (the album and the review).

Evilometer: 444/666

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Black, Vinyl | No Comments »