Norway's cold Black Metal act HOVMOD arise at their debut full length studio album, "Doedsformasjon", which has been released in winter 2019 on Dusktone. Formed in Toten, Norway, HOVMOD is one of the seven deadly sins, and it represents aggression, rage, pride
and the opposite of humility- something that reflects in HOVMOD's music in the upcoming debut album "Doedsformasjon." The album contains eight tracks.

"Total Krig" is the opening track. It has a thrashy sort of main riff but the Black Metal vocals come through strong. It's a fast moving song, complete in under three minutes. "Doedsformasjon" opens with a slower groove, but the main riff hits hard and it's chaotic from there. This is pretty traditional Black Metal, staying true to the roots of the genre, but not much in the way of experimentation. "I grevens tid" is close to five minutes in length, and opens with a more straightforward sound. It has a slower groove but the harrowing elements of Black Metal are on full display.

"Blodsbaand" opens with noticeable bass guitar notes, something that often gets lost in the mix in the genre. "Hatskapt" opens with somber notes and the feeling that the end of the world draws near. It has a slower groove, letting the vocals tell the story. The riff builds into this mesmerizing sound as it carries forward. "Evig mistru" is a shorter song, at just over three minutes in length. It has a grinding sound to it, and last much longer than expected. "Maktdemon" moves forward with more purpose and strength. However, at this point in the album, it is lacking in the diversity department. "I endens Kapittel" closes the album; a near eight-minute beast. The opening notes are ominous. The simulated horns and keys are a great start, but are soon replaced by that traditional Black Metal sound.

Overall, the album is steeped in the traditions of the genre, but doesn't offer much in the way of diversity. If they want to set themselves apart from the thousands of Black Metal bands out there hanging onto the past, they are going to have to experiment a little more. The songs just sound too much like one another. This is a mediocre effort at best.