The Icelandic Black Metal scene is often overlooked by fans of extreme metal.  However, with the work of bands like SINMARA and MISÞYRMING, Icelandic Black Metal is also criminally underrated.  Now, ALTARI has been added to the underground scene's roster, with the release of their debut full-length album "Kröflueldar" on April 14, 2023.  There doesn't seem to be much that is known about the band's background.  So far, it seems to be only known that the guitarist/vocalist of ALTARI is Ó.Þ.Guðjónsson.  However, it is known that the album's name is derived from a 9-year series of eruptions that occurred at Krafla in 1975.  Additionally, according to ALTARI, it took them nine years to create their first album, thus explaining the choice of name.  Name origin aside, "Kröflueldar" is a black metal record heavily laced with experimentation, which rightfully classifies it as blackened avant-garde.

The first track of the album is also the title track.  It is definitely a slow but dark opening to "Kröflueldar," which will instantly alert listeners that this is not your typical black metal.  There are no shredding guitar riffs or inhumanly fast blast beats, both of which are prevalent in various subgenres of Black Metal.  The next couple of songs, "Djáknahrollur" and "Leðurblökufjandinn," are more prevalent in this new style from ALTARI.  In my opinion, the songs give off vibes of psychedelic rock, hard rock, and even early traditional heavy metal.  While some black metal fans may be opposed to such experimentation, it shows that the band is not afraid to push the limits of such an extreme genre.  ALTARI does take a surprising turn in "Sýrulúður," in which clean female vocals are used in place of Ó.Þ.Guðjónsson's raspy growls.  The group then suddenly returns to their sound from the earlier tracks starting with "Hin eina sanna" before coming to a strong, dark close in "Grafarþögn."

In terms of the album's sound, the instrumentation somewhat drown out Guðjónsson's vocals.  Therefore, it's hard to tell if the band's lyrics are in Icelandic, English, or both.  It wouldn't be too far-fetched if they are in Icelandic, since the album's tracks are all titled in ALTARI's native language.  The guitars and drums are all slow and heavy in rhythm, but they also frequently change styles from song to song.  There are no monotonous tunes on "Kröflueldar," and that absolutely calls for appreciation on the band's part.

ALTARI's debut album is full of pleasant surprises.  "Kröflueldar" finds a way to emit Icelandic Black Metal, while also appealing to fans of avant-garde metal and psychedelic rock through its bold experimentation.  For a record that is named after a lengthy series of eruptions from an active volcanic caldera, "Kröflueldar" can only be described as a volcanic masterpiece.  It cannot and must not be overlooked.