Ever since 2007 there is a band that in English would have been called STRANGLEHOLD, just like that brilliant song by legend TED NUGENT. But, as they decided to stick to their native language, it turned out as KVELERTAK. And if there is one thing that you can never accuse these Norwegians from Stavanger of it is that they are boring. They are not afraid to dip their toes into different kinds of metal as inspiration. On the contrary, since their inception they have produced four outstanding albums before showering us with another gem which they have named “Endling”.

The first three songs start out very promising, as the similarities with other Modern Metal bands in general, and especially MASTODON, is quite evident. Just listen to the riff on “Krøterveg Te Helvete” and the opening of “Likvoke”. The thing is, as KVELERTAK are able to put their own stamp on those sounds, it never sounds as plagiarism, but as a tribute. I love this part of the album. After that the atmosphere changes, and the punky hardcore vibe that a song like “Motsols” harbours feels to fit the band like the proverbial glove. And don’t forget “Døgeniktens Kvad”, as that has all the elements intertwined in it’s sound, making it a future classic.

Unfortunately I am less smitten by the second half of “Endling”. The Glam, Party and too simple riffs and songs are below what I would expect of these guys. Yes, every tune can still carry its weight, but the feeling that you are listening to something that is spectacular is slowly slipping away. The title song gets away with it through the furious outbursts that come halfway into the song. But a lengthy one like “Skoggangr” is missing the point completely, and for me is the only really annoying song on the album. It just doesn’t gel. To me these songs are just too mediocre for a band like KVELERTAK. I just feel that they are capable of so much more, as the first half of “Endling” is proving time and time again. Oh, and before you ask, Norwegian is not one of my strong languages, so I have no clue what the band is singing about.