I've said it before - the best black metal is the stuff that sounds truly old. It's a trait that most often seems to pop up in the Bergen school. Ekrom are a wonderful example of this, featuring black metal lifers, current and former members of Nocturnal Breed and Covenant, their new album Uten Nådigst Formildelse is a master class in black metal. Mournful, epic and utterly transcendent in its vision, this is black metal done right, with a vision of a medieval past and a broken down future, it's what black metal was always meant to be.
Uten Nådigst Formildelse impresses because of the breadth of the compositions. It's old school black metal but with the sort of synth padding that helps to make the genre all the more delectable. Ekrom understand the fundamental power of the genre and they lean into some of its most atavistic and primitive tendencies. It's a delight to let these demented ministrations wash over you and to lose yourself in the high volume, tremolo picked magic of Uten Nådigst Formildelse. While Ekrom are by no means reinventing the steel, what they've done here is craft a meaningful addition to the canon and a record die hards will eagerly come back too.
Ekrom maybe a new band but their sound showcases a longtime understanding of the black metal that they love. It's a record that leans into the ancient vibes of the best work in the genre and the dual layered vocals and classic vibes are addictive. This is black metal done with a taste for the glory of the past and hints of what that music could evolve into without losing site of its heritage. Ekrom have found a unique path forward and I revel in embracing the unique darkness of what has been put together to keep us all in perpetual awe.
Pre-order the album!
https://edgedcircleproductions.bandcamp.com/album/uten-n-digst-formildelse
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