Hailing from Denmark, Black Metal band ORM present their fourth full-length album here titled "Guld." The album has five songs. "Af magt" is first. It's an interesting sound…it has some of that sharp zip of Black Metal, but other sounds as well. The clean vocal passage brings melody with it, although somber, and it contrasts well with the aggressive fire of other passages. I love the out of the box approach. With so many things available today in the music industry, it's nice to see someone take advantage of that. There are progressive leanings at work here also, and the band handles some meter shifts with ease. "Undfangen" is another well-constructed song. Although the harsh vocals are vile, the guitars create some melody along with the thick wall of riffs. They ride them out like a passenger on a train through Europe just taking in all of the sights.

"Rigdom" is a fast mover with plenty of aggression in the vocals, drumming, and fast-picked riffs. There are also somber melodies here to go along with the filth, and more progressive elements in the songwriting. "Udskammet" is a 13-minute beast of a song and gives the band plenty of time to explore. They do just that. There are passages of deep aggression, coupled with passages of somber melody, and the clean guitar break approaching the halfway mark is all about contemplation for me. There are folky rhythms along with soft melodies. The aggression returns, of course, but that was a nice contrast in sound. "Martret" is the final offering. It eases in slowly, and a towering riff drops along with orchestral support. What follows can be aptly described as straight up aggression. You can hear things building, with layers of pain and melody, until the final crescendo at the end, which is just crushing.

This was a fascinating slab of Black Metal in a few different ways. First, it often took unexpected turns, keeping the listener on their toes. Second, it brought a side of melody with it that was somber at times and oddly warm at others. Finally, there were progressive elements afoot, both in the music, and the meter. Who said Black Metal can't be creative?