SVART LOTUS is a Norwegian metal band that was started in 2012 by Tor R. Stavenes, also known as Seidemann from 1349. The band plays extreme metal with elements of black, death and doom. They have previously released a self-titled EP in 2016 and a full-length album in 2018. The band is known for their powerful and atmospheric sound and has impressed both critics and fans with their depth and variation.

“Fyrelogi” is a short introduction, and it dark, and moody. The worlds “I’m burning” lead to the second track titled “Distraction Industry,” which has twisted Black Metal vocals and a thrashy riff instead of the wall of sound that often accompanies the genre. It is one dimensional in its message—I am coming for you. “Som et vondt år” begins with an evil sounding riff and a tortured scream, and meaty bass notes plug away under the harrowing sound. The bottom end is also very filthy and the cloudy production plays into this as well.

“Indifference and Wrath” has some frightening gutturals that are so deep, the earth rumbles beneath them. The drums also run in triplets, and sound like the repeated blasting of gunshots. “Hat og Forakt” has more depressive qualities, with clean vocals that are very well done. The harsh vocals answer sort of like an echo, angrily responding, proving the album isn’t one dimensional. “Cryptic Lights” is shorter and with an urgent pace, still with a very vile sound. The lead work is fairly spastic, but it fits in well with the song.

The title track closes the album, thick with hate and anger. It’s like the final stand of one verses many. His back is against the wall, and he doesn’t think about anything else but surviving. His eyes glow with fire, and he attacks. Overall, this was a fine album. The band smartly combined a few different subgenres of metal into the album to keep the sounding fresh and unlike their peers. I believe it will appeal to a wide audience in this respect.