Year: 2021
Total Time: 22:05
Label: Dark Essence Records
New, third in a row, split for the Norwegian Black Metallers TAAKE and this time they join forces with their compatriots Viking/Black Metallers HELHEIM. Of course, TAAKE does not need any special prologue, so I will write some things about HELHEIM who is a less known band to the metalheads. Is was formed in 1992 and so far it has released ten full lengths, two EP and this year’s split entitled “Henholdsvis”.
Each band participates with two songs. TAAKE is presenting us two new excellent compositions, while HELHEIM chose to record two covers in TAAKE and EMPEROR’s songs. TAAKE’s two new songs, “Brotne Bein og Mannefall” and “Ein Baat i Foss,” move into the band’s well-known Black ‘n’ Roll style, with a more raw character from the band’s sound of the last years. In the first compositions there are parts which will bring in mind the album “Over Bjoergvin Grater Himmerik”.
HELHEIM has always been associated with TAAKE, in one way or another as, from time to time, they have shared members. Of course, their decision to make a cover in a band that they share the same split is a little bit strange for me. In the recent years, their musical style has slightly diversified, as they have a more Progressive Viking/Rock approach, so I was curious about how they would perform the cover songs. So, the Norwegians bring the two songs to their musical personality by putting their mark on them. TAAKE’s “Orkan” performs it in a slower tempo, using mainly clear vocals with a more melancholic feeling, while it is about two minutes shorter. As for EMPEROR’s “Heksesabbat” (Witches Sabbath), it sounds less raw than the original and there are no keyboards in contrary with the original song.
“Henholdsvis” is a very interesting split and the two bands prove that the experiment between them is successful, as they offer us a good release. TAAKE, compared to previous two splits, sound much more qualitative, showing us perhaps the composing path they are going to follow in the future. HELHEIM offer us two covers by putting their personal touch, in such a point, that “Orkan” sounds unrecognizable. Therefore “Henholdsvis” is a really nice Black Metal split, including all the elements that a fan of the genre could ask for.
Rating: 7/10
Editor: Nikos Manousis
Related Link: TAAKE – Facebook Page
HELHEIM – Facebook Page
