In most cases the decision to step out of the local pool and into the vast international scene is a worthwhile step. Though there are times when it is hard to understand and there is an inner wish to interact with the lyrics, I am all in favor for artists to spread their music in their own local language as it the solidarity with your local crowd and the safe haven of easy expression. However, stepping out of the vocals and seeing the larger picture are the keys to success. Numerous of artists have been doing it for years and so did the Norwegian Hard Rock / Metal act of DUNDERBEIST. Recently the band released its first ever album in English, "Black Arts & Crooked Tails", in order to assert themselves in a newfound status worldwide. After sweeping through the album, which was released by their local Indie Recordings, I can safely claim that they are on the right track.

First I have to say something about the lineup. I think that the involvement of two vocalists adds a lot to songs, though it is probably more noticeable when the band plays live. There is some distinction between the two vocalists so I believe you will notice who is who. Second, and that is material itself, DUNDERBEIST let their imagination run wild when it came to composing the music. From features that presented hints of Alternative and Nu Metal to modernized Hard Rock, this album has almost anything in it. Surely that fans of both old school Metal and Rock won't exactly find themselves in this release, yet as an old school fan myself I came to notice the importance of the formation of good music even with the usage of modern approaches. DUNDERBEIST, following the well known bleakness of the Norwegian style, used a mish mash of subgenres and called it their own.

That same compilation, which might sound complex at first but I can assure that it is not the kind at all, paved the road for some mighty tracks. "8 Crows And Counting" and "Fear & Loathing", a duo of great songs that are hard to describe as those are always on the move. "Shields Aligned" is a wonderful Heavy Metal track that reminded me songs of the Swedish SABBATON for some reason, especially the chorus section. "Winter Past" felt chilling at first to the level that I thought it would develop into a Black Metal entity, yet the band kept rocking in their own weird way. Same was with the closing "Hum Hum" that shared its mysteries with some great melodies and an incredible lead guitar works.

This might strike as different to core fans of the music, but that is the beauty of it. DUNDERBEIST went against the grain in many terms in this release while also taking chances. I liked their undertaking and I am positive that they will be heard of again pretty soon.