Sixteen years in the music industry and this is the fifth album for SVARTAHRID. The trio had released their, in my opinion, best album "Malicious Pride" two years ago and now, after putting high standards to the band fans, with their new one "Ex Inferi" the band has to show us that they can make it to the premiership of Norwegian Black Metal.

The band was formed by Istar and Forn back in 1994. Two years later Bjoern (synth) and Ilvastar (bass) joined the band. In the same year Napalm Records signed a deal with MACTATUS, a band that the two founder members of SVARTAHRID were playing at the same time and that made SVARTAHRID sign too. Between those four full length albums some lineup changes took place, with the last one being the exit of Stig York (bass), if my sources are correct, and they signed a new deal with Soulseller Records after they had released their second album.

So, what's going on in "Ex Inferi"? Well, the band is still playing that old school Norwegian Black Metal with a limited keyboard use in the background in only two songs, which is good. The production and the sound of the guitars are the ones that we have listened to a thousand times before, but there are still some nice ideas here and there. As for the rhythm of the album, well let's just say that the drummer is into double bass speeds even when he is sleeping. There a only a few slow tempo moments in order to give the typical old school Black Metal atmosphere. In my opinion, the best two tracks of this album are "Scale Of Worth" and "Veil Of Lies". Those two songs have a quite different approach from the other ones, but they are still dark and cold as the rest of the album. But here comes the thing that we are all afraid. The rest of the tracks are similar to each other, making this album dull after one or two times of listening. OK, the fans of this kind of Black Metal won't be sad, on the contrary they will enjoy this album, but the other ones, the ones that want that something extra, will probably quote: "Yes it is a good album, but there is something missing. I just can't say what it is.". Well, I have the same thoughts.

Overall, "Ex Inferi" is a typical old-school Norwegian Black Metal album, with its up-tempo rhythm and some minor slow parts just for the atmosphere, but nothing more. If you like your Black Metal cold, served fast and a bit monotonous, this album will make you happy. As for the rest...