KAMPFAR are quite well established on the ever-powerful Norwegian black metal scene, having experienced resurgence in new material since 2006. Their next endeavor, to be released later this month, is grim and unforgiven metal in its purest form, albeit the addition of modern recording quality, and pagan-based musical influences. It is what Black Metal should be: honesty.

Initially, I was somewhat surprised by the length of the album, but being all lengthy tracks, such as "Mylder", that may well be overlooked. It begins with a discordant piano passage, before the blackest of black metal is dredged up from the Baltic Sea. The track exudes pure emotion, in part invoked by the use of native lyrics, and the ever-effective muddy combination of blast beat and tremolo riff, which include barbaric war cries contributed by the second vocalist. "Blod, Eder og Galle" begins much more like a Folk Metal track with a very FINNTROLL-like intro but nonetheless explodes into blackened fire that carries with it epic, battle-inspiring chord and riff progressions. This track does well to somewhat break out of the genre shell, by flourishing into different tangents here and there, sometimes focusing on more somber, instrumental interludes.

"De Dødes Fane" was easily my favorite track here that was brimming with, and exploded into a surprisingly powerful force, which felt like a traversal via horseback through a raging battlefield; once again inspired by powerful war chants. This track is a perfect example of why Black Metal is special, in its ability to evoke emotion and atmosphere through Metal stripped down to its bare bones and played with passion to purvey a message, be it Satan, Vikings, mountains, or grim and frostbitten kingdoms. In all seriousness, I do indeed hold a great deal of respect for the genre and its musicians, controversy aside. The track's heaviness and wall of sound aside, closer listening reveals a dark, startling beauty about it. "Our Hounds, Our Legion" is the final and longest track on "Djevelmakt"; the chilling, acoustic intro belies a Black Metal track's ability to suddenly instill shock and awe, at which this track holds no bars and pulls no gauntlet-clad, axe-clutching punches. One of the more grandiose-sounding tracks, the epic vibes exuded from this music is done so through simple, yet clever arrangement and effective use of keyboard atmospherics.

KAMPFAR are one of the best examples of modern Black Metal bands that have survived the ever looming presence of outside genre influences, 'growing up' from the 90's; most such Black Metal bands have received criticism as such. However, it is clear that even in their 2014 release, they are doing well to stay true to themselves. I would contend that this album would be largely inaccessible for those who are not fans of extreme Metal; but for those who are, it's a dark, beautiful gem.