Scandinavia is undoubtedly synonymous with Black Metal, with Norway infamously being the cradle from which this genre first reared its monstrous head. However, given this, it's funny how often Denmark is overlooked as being a force to be reckoned with. Nevertheless, one-man band FJORSVARTNIR seems to be hell-bent on changing this. Back with his third release "Mzoraxc' Forbandelse", which has been three years in the making, Fjorgynn is here to show the world what the Danes are capable of.

Sounds of the forest meld with strains of an acoustic guitar, gradually blossoming into the powerful opener "Ravneskrig og Ulvehyl". Black Metal vocals and riffage are coupled with more melodious undertows that add subtle hints of beauty to the coldness. Using a variety of vocal styles to add a slew of different facets to the soundscapes woven, FJORSVARTNIR also puts the keyboards to good use. One of the greatest pitfalls of this type of music is the overuse and abuse keyboards in creating atmospheres, but Fjorgynn seems to have this down to an art, using just enough to bring his music to life. Whilst each song seems to have something special, one of my favourites on the album was the tempestuous and freezing "En Rejse Igennem Fortidens Riger" that cuts to your bones with the tumultuous fervour of a whirlwind of razor-sharp icicles. In stark contrast to this, the use of female vocals on "Krigssat" gives the song a keening edge, making the disparity between the frost-bitten darkness and the searing melodies even more outstanding and sharp.  The golden standard of this album seems to be variation, with the frenzied madness of "Det Sidste Slag" driving this point home, whilst the celestial atmospheres of the closing song "Valkyrie" slowly carries the listener back through the ether after the tremendous onslaught of all that has come before.

The recording quality has a rusty feel to it that adds to the organic feel of the album, and each track has been well-mixed, so that no instrument is overshadowed or overpowering. Some of the modulations between the various sections of some songs can be a bit jarring the first time you hear them, but after a while this fades into the background as the music sweeps you away. This is the kind of album that you gradually fall in love with, with each new listen leading to the discovery of some facet that you had previously overlooked. Overall, "Mzoraxc' Forbandelse" is an excellent album that perfectly captures the raw spirit of bygone masters such as BATHORY, whilst still managing to weave in the rich tapestry of Scandinavian histories, and combining this all with a unique and modern twist. An outstanding gem that should be a treasured jewel in the collection of any fan of Melodic Black Metal!