Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, comes one-man Black Metal band SKJOLDEN, and his album debut titled "Insoucient Metaphysical Granduer." The album has seven songs, and "In Resplendent Obscurity" is first. A thick, speedy, and aggressive charge leads off the song, but it is not without melody, mostly in the guitar work. The vocals are harsh, but somewhat buried in the meaty rhythm guitars, and it surges forward until the end, which has charming and tender clean tones. "The Fever of Magickal Thoughts" is another aggressive and thick sound, but again, not without melody, and they help to temper some of the contentious approaches. The riffs are absolutely towering, and vary from Thrash Metal at times to Melodic Death Metal at others.

"Insoucient Metaphysical Granduer" has some noticeable Progressive elements along with the charge of Black Metal, and there are keyboards alive here as well. The song moves with a haste that is relentless. "Keeper of the Silent Heart" hears the fast paced album continue with more speed and haste. Lead guitar breaks provide a measure of harmony, and even some classically infused riffs. "While Dying" finally breaks the hasty pace of the album, with a song that is steeped in solemn melodies. "To tally your debts with cheeks still wet from crying. For these are not regrets one should have while dying" he quips…a powerful message. "Can't Kill My Love" is a song about energy and resolve, and back returns the speedy pace. The lead breaks again bring both a touch of harmony and classical influence to the album.

"Narther Terminus" is the final act, and it presents and both angry and sad. The solemn melodies in the guitars will be one thing I remember from the album for sure. This was a fantastic album…Melo Death, combined Black Metal. Carl kept your interest by creating songs that were energetic and speedy, but also with a lot of emotional depth. Both the lyrics and the cover art are excellent as well, and it's clear that he presents a total package here.