On February 7, 2020, DRÅPSNATT will reissue "I Denna Skog." DRÅPSNATT was a Swedish atmospheric black metal band that formed in 2005 but became inactive the summer of 2016. "I Denna Skog" was their debut full-length album released back in 2009. While they were active, they had also released "Hymner till undergången" in 2010 and "Skelepht" in 2012.

DRÅPSNATT's style of atmospheric black metal on this album blends fast-paced riffs with melody and ambiance. Some riffs hark back to the early years of black metal with the punk influence while other riffs have a bit of melody. Keyboards add moody and hypnotically dark overtones whether it's the star of an instrumental passage or in the background. Vocals run the gamut, with brief voiceovers, both low growls and high shrieks, and clean singing. The production is not as raw as BURZUM but it is also not so clean that the music loses its edge.

The titular track "I Denna Skog" is a good introduction to the album. It leads with an energetic punk influenced riff, changes to a hypnotic and comparatively gentle melody, before combining the riff and the melody for atmosphere. The third track "Orostider" is a standout song. The vocals alternate between clean and dirty, but they always complement the mood of the song. The instrumentals on this track build from a flowing and atmospheric melody and climax to an intense riff. The next track, "Av Jord Är Du Kommen," is memorable to me for the interesting piano melody set against the black metal riffs towards the end of the track.

The fourth track "Fader Frost" is as bitterly cold as the title. The main riff and chord progression is bleak and desolate. Combined with a wind track and a sad melody, this track conjures up an image of a dreary and desolate wintry landscape. The next track "En Sista Vandring" is similarly stark. My favorite part of this track is the climactic end with desperate shrieks and weeping guitar riff. "Han Faller Plågad Ned" is one of my favorite tracks off the album as there is a delicate piano melody and a wailing guitar solo.

Overall, I recommend this album to fans of melodic and atmospheric black metal. The melodies on this album are simple, but entrancing and memorable. The guitar riffs can be just as melodic, but also with great speed and ferocity when needed. Though DRÅPSNATT is still inactive at the time of this review, who knows what the future may hold. If the band does not decide to release new music, this album is still great with many interesting sections. If the band does decide to release new music, I look forward to hearing it!