Stridsmenn: Stridsmenn

Not only do I believe that Black Metal is true kvlt underground music, but also where talent is plentiful. Once again, we have a very gifted fellow, multi-instrumentalist Norwegian Arnjeir. No new comer since he is the mastermind behind Borgarholt (2003) and Austkrigar (2005).

This is an excellent album that will please the fans of good quality Black Metal. No vicious/blasphemous or hateful moments, but something more subtle and nicely melodic is awaiting the true music lover. Some people might want to call this "hippy Black Metal", because it is more nature/folklore/ancestral related, which does not really bother me. Opening track, "Nattestid" sets the ambience with wind samplings and classical guitars. Following song, "Saar", sets the pace and score more points with its moderate tempo, melancholic riffs, ghostly rasps, clean/epic chant, as well as calmer moments with more classical guitars. Classical guitars are incorporated in the structure of most of the best compositions such as in: "Boldvatn", "Ondskapen Selv" and Dod". The cleaner vocals bring a certain epic touch, which is quite pleasant to listen. The arpeggios played on classical guitars appear to be similar; still it is something that I personally find very enjoyable in Black Metal. Crunchy and juicy riffs are present quite often, when the tempo is set to moderate, creating a melancholic atmosphere, something quite tasty in this particular type of music.

Stridsmenn is a highly recommendable opus. All hails to Norwegian composer Arnjeir, and I can only wish him a long lasting career

Track Listing
1 - Nattestid
2 - Saar
3 - Den Sorte Sti
4 - Boldvatn
5 - Sortsorg Vinters Skjebne
6 - Ondskapen Selv
7 - Dod

Added: June 11th 2009
Reviewer: Denis Brunelle
Score:
Related Link: Band MySpace Page
Hits: 2923
Language: english

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