Year: 2019
Total Time: 20:44
Label: Soulseller Records
Oslo, Norway 2019, Håvard Jørgensen (aka HAAVARD, LEMARCHAND, co-founding member of SATYRICON and early ULVER member), Vicotnik (DODHEIMSGARD, VED BUENS ENDE), Cerberus (ex- DODHEIMSGARD) and Myrvoll (NIDINGR) have risen to bring forth a fresh and unique Norwegian Black Metal sound, often reminding of the early nineties and its purity. “Gjengangere I Hjertets Mørke” is their debut, a 20 minute long EP including 4 songs which, due to its lineup, has created high expectations before even having the chance to hear it. Four artists with great contribution and history in the Black Metal scene, united their powers to form a supergroup.
“Gjengangere I Hjertets Mørke” starts with “Den Ensomme Død” and after an introduction with dark sounds and clean vocals, the song slowly raises speed in a more heavy direction with continuous rhythm changes until it climaxes with an awesome solo by Haavard, who shows his skills that have not been fully explored when he was in ULVER. In this song we can spot some punk-rock influences too.
We return to a more Black Metal sound with “Drukkenskapens Kirkegård” and “Vitnesbyrd”, relentless blastbeats with Haavard’s riffs creating a frozen feeling in your heart. Vicotnik’s vocals, especially in “Vitnesbyrd” have a theatrical character and you feel that you hear some seer of ancient times recounting his prophecies, an impressive performance. Those songs remind us of the old adventurous spirit of Black Metal in a great way.
Final song is “Blodets Hvisken”, a masterpiece indeed. Haavard plays in a light tone, creating mesmerizing melodies throughout the whole track. The song has constant changes, we hear also an acoustic guitar which creates a great atmosphere as Vicotnik with his screams and whispers takes the song to another level. The track may seem simple in its approach but it gives 5 minutes of pure Norwegian magic.
“Gjengangere I Hjertets Mørke” it’s not just a wonderful Norwegian Black Metal EP. It is an artistic creation by four musicians with a special approach, since all the songs balance between innovation and nostalgic Black Metal brutality. Until the release of their full length (which is expected to happen in 2020), listen to “Gjengangere I Hjertets Mørke” and discover the gold hidden beneath its surface.
Rating: 8/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
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