Year: 2024
Total Time: 60.08
Label: Metal Blade Records
IOTUNN began in 2009 when guitarist Jesper Gräs sought to create a band inspired by the Space Rock of the 70s. After several years in the metal scene, he felt a desire for a new musical journey, which shaped the sound of IOTUNN between 2013 and 2014, with metal as a foundation but without constraints on creativity. With the addition of his brother Jens Nicolai in 2011, the band found its voice and the creative freedom it was seeking.
The name IOTUNN (meaning “giant” in old norse) emerged in 2015, reflecting a kind of “magnification” of their compositional disposition and exploration. In 2016, they released their debut EP, «The Wizard Falls», which was met with enthusiasm. By 2018, they discovered the voice of singer Jón Aldará (of Hamferd), who brought a new dynamic to the band, and in 2019, they completed their lineup with bassist Eskil Rask. In 2020, they recorded the album «Access All Worlds» released in 2021 by Metal Blade Records.
This album is an epic exploration of human existence through the stories of cosmic travelers. The music is filled with intensity and melody, with guitars and vocals creating an atmospheric narrative. In 2022, for the album’s anniversary, they released an acoustic version, with proceeds donated for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. In 2023, IOTUNN released the track «Mistland», marking the beginning of a new chapter, as they also resumed live performances post-pandemic.
Now in 2024, IOTUNN is preparing to take us on a journey with their second album, «Kinship» Spanning over an hour of music distributed across eight tracks, the album radiates an epic spirit and emotion, once again inviting listeners to engage with their storytelling through this new creation.
Set in prehistoric times, the album narrates the tale of a member of a primitive tribe. It delves into the diverse conditions of human life, exploring themes such as unity/division, light/darkness, body/mind, nature/culture, good/evil, creation/destruction, and humanity’s relationship with itself permeate the entire narrative.
“Everything is interconnected, and everything has an impact. We all need to find our own paths to our true selves and our genuine freedom through our choices in this interdependence of all things. The album explores themes of conformity versus following one’s own path and the consequences that choices have on relationships. It also examines the mind-body connection, especially regarding how one interacts internally and how one is influenced and controlled by the spheres of life and the interaction with nature. All of this impacts your identity, your choices, and your individuality,” explains Jón Aldará.
The opening track «Kinship Elegiac» is the longest on the album, lasting 14 minutes. IOTUNN does not start with intensity but gradually introduces the listener with soft vocals. This approach works excellently as the piece builds to dynamic and epic climaxes, maintaining the listener’s interest. The energy is high, with the band employing extreme vocals, while the clean ones take center stage. At times, the atmosphere reminds me of BORKNAGAR, which I consider a positive aspect. The tension is persistent, and the guitar solo that begins after the tenth minute is exceptional.
IOTUNN offers not only vocal displays of great range but also powerful dynamics that embrace the extremes with the use of growls. The melodies do not falter, even when things become truly heavy, as seen in «Mistland» which becomes darker in its latter half, yet the melodies remain present, adding emotional depth, especially in the final two minutes where the vocals impress once again.
The track «Twilight» is characterized by a tense and ominous mood arising from both the harsh vocals and the musical composition. It is heavy and solid, yet retains a melodic line that can easily sweep you away, primarily thanks to the splendid vocal harmonies. «I Feel The Night» one of the standout singles, creates an intensely dramatic atmosphere.
«The Coming End» is among the most beautiful songs on the album. The vocals unfold slowly and mysteriously, filling the listener with soul and emotion, reaching a near catharsis. Meanwhile, the band maintains a dynamic feel throughout the track. In the spiritual journey presented by IOTUNN, «Iridescent Way» stands out as a ballad, setting aside the harsh notes to reveal a soft, acoustic texture, where the listener might mentally travel to a medieval setting with Jón Aldará as the bard.
Guitarist Jesper Gräs comments on this particular song:
“Jens and I have roots in classical guitar, and this, combined with traditional music from the North and the West, has profoundly inspired us over the years. The introduction and conclusion of the song came to me in a dream, and I woke up and played them. This formed the foundation for a song that is very special to the entire band, and we hold it in high regard.”
Next is my personal favorite, one that I’ve listened to repeatedly since receiving the promo. I’m referring to «Earth To Sky» a piece reminiscent of both BORKNAGAR and ENSLAVED, but with IOTUNN’s unique touch. The acoustic introduction, relentless riffing and drumming, Black Metal vocals, and epic clean singing have sent chills down my spine every single time I’ve heard it. «The Anguished Ethereal» concludes the album, with the song growing increasingly dark throughout, evoking a sense that not only is the album coming to an end, but also the story it tells, without necessarily offering a happy conclusion.
With «Kinship» IOTUNN has crafted a work that immerses the listener in vivid experiences, keeping them captivated. The album reveals an epic quality, a dark journey into the inner and outer realms of human existence. It is undoubtedly one of the most impressive albums of the year, sure to astound, engage, and perhaps even provoke thought in its listeners.
Rating: 8/10
Editor: Antonis Braikidis
Related Link: IOTUNN – Bandcamp
