From Bandcamp, “Blodsdåd och hor” (Bloodshed and whoredom) is the third installment in the band’s saga and the darkest chapter thus far. Bellowed by the winds from the past, it is forged with steel and blood in a furnace built by Scandinavian rock. The lyrical themes and musical compositions bond together, forming a strong and durable alloy. Under the unyielding strokes of hammers, the characteristic soundscape has been hardened, and the melodies have been thoroughly honed by melancholia to deep-cutting perfection.”

The album has eight songs, all titled the same (Ett altare av skärvor and Dit gudarna trälar är), save for the “parts.” “Pt 1” opens with firm tones that are both ominous and somber at times. The harsh vocals are done with harmonies at times as well. The aggression of Black Metal is there, and it rises with fury. “Pt 2” has more hardened edges and a contentious sound in both the vocals and the music. It’s akin to a firm foot on the gas pedal that doesn’t let up. There are ominous tones once again as well, and they really help the song to keep its footing in your head. “Pt 3” is another dark and burning hot song, and the energy that comes forth is shot out from their fingertips like a flamethrower.

“Pt 4” is much more solemn, and the band dials up hopeless feelings from a 3 to an 8. Some of the lead guitar breaks transition the sound to more traditional Metal at times, and the band has some tricks up their sleeves. Onto the second song, with four parts. “Pt 1” comes out of the gate like a rabid dog who hasn’t been fed in over a week, and the guitar work is intricate. It pauses a few times to slow, but only for moments, and the energy and aggression return. “Pt 2” continues with the same fast pace and undying energy, and the band doesn’t miss a step in the quick transition. Once again, the intricate leads showcase the band’s outstanding musicianship. “Pt 3” returns to the somber sound of earlier tracks. But don’t let the depressive tones fool you, it is also very powerful.

“Pt 4” is the final offering, and it’s a strong combination of many of the previous elements. Darkness, light, power, and restraint are used liberally, and the opposites play off one another very well. To summarize, in a genre sometimes plagued by poor musicianship, JORDFAST prove that they are more than fit with their peers. The jagged mountain peaks on the cover with mist in the air provide clues to their powerful, and often majestic sound.