Nattesferd
– Tracklisting
01.
Dendrofil for Yggdrasil
02.
1985
03.
Nattesferd
04.
Svartmesse
05.
Bronsegud
06.
Ondskapens Galakse
07.
Berserkr
08.
Heksebrann
09.
Nekrodamus
Band
Members:
Erlend
Hjelvik (lead vocal)
Bjarte
Lund Rolland (guitar)
Maciek
Ofstad (guitar)
Vidar
Landa (guitar)
Marvin
Nygaard (bass)
Kjetil
Gjermundrød (drummer)
Review:
Apparently
Kvelertak caused a bit of stir with their 2013 album "Meir"
because already it wasn't heavy enough compared to their debut self
titled album "Kvelertak". Keyboard warriors across the
interweb started the calls of "sell out" and presumably
that they weren't "kvlt" enough. Just because they have
gained some success in Norway and the stations there play them on the
radio (because Norwegians are fucking cool), that doesn't mean we all
need to worry. You wont be seeing them at Radio One's Big Weekend any
time soon.
But
I'll tell you now those same guys are going to fucking hate this,
because Kvelertak don't give a shit what you think. They're going to
do what they want to do (the whole point of being in a band) and
apparently what they want to do is spawn an entire new genre.
I'm
calling it "Van Halen Black Metal"....
Don't
be fooled by album opener "Dendrofil For Yggdrasil" which
is probably one of the heaviest tracks in the bands weaponry and
definitely the album. Full BM tremolo picking and those by now
distinct vocals of front man and owl fanatic (I've made that up)
Erlend Hjelvik batter you stupid for nigh on six minutes
This
isn't really what this record is about. I think it's here to trip
some of us up. I certainly wasn't expecting what follows it.
"1985"
the first single from the album (probably another Grammy nomination
coming soon) and the title track "Nattesferd" really
showcase the three guitars that Kvelertak have at their disposal as
glorious 80's sounding licks, riffs and harmonies are literally
everywhere. Pounding NWOBHM inspired riffs, mixed with their
trademark punk and roll sound, scream out of the speakers,and then do
my ears deceive me? No. No they don't. They're singing now. Clean
vocals. Harmonies no less!
By
this point you should be grinning ear from ear at the sheer glory of
the thing!
The
next track is without a doubt my favourite on the record and if you
asked me (which no one has to be fair) it's my favourite song of the
year. The band call it "Svartmesse" but me and the wife
(nearly) call it The Car Party Song, as it's all we can listen to
when we're out and about. Even our baby thinks its a banger.
I'm
not going to say anymore about it but go and pop on a headband and
some spandex trousers and just lose yourself in the moment by
clicking here.....
The
rest of the album is equally as good. Standout tracks for me being
"Ondskapens Galaske" and "Heksebrann"
Album
closer "Nekrodamus" is a real smasher as well. Slightly
slower in it's approach and with maybe a bit more of an air of menace
but still with all the swagger that they can muster. And they can
muster quite a bit....
If
you hadn't guessed by now I love this album. In a day and age where
so many bands are miserable as fuck and take themselves way to
seriously it's truly refreshing to hear a band just enjoying what
they're doing and long may it continue.
Albums
like this are life affirming and make me remember why I feel in love
with heavy music in the first place. Pop
on a copy and remind yourself as well.
Words
by Simon Ross Williams
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