Kvelertak

Kvelertak

This album did not reach METAL TEMPLE following the formal path, sent by a record […]
By Dimitris Kontogeorgakos
October 7, 2010
Kvelertak - Kvelertak album cover

This album did not reach METAL TEMPLE following the formal path, sent by a record label; this was proposed to me and I have to tell you right from the start that it was such a nice surprise. First of all, by looking at the cover artwork and realizing that this band comes from Norway, the genre folk Metal came to my mind. And if you add the strange pronunciation of the band's name - KVELERTAK - then you will most probably agree with me. But the band had a different opinion on the musical identity of their self-titled album and there I found myself caught off guard by this sextet.

"Ulvetid" kicks in with an almost Punk intro that I could think of DROPKICK MURPHY but that thought wouldn't last a minute. And this is because the track immediately turns into a Black Metal song with fast rhythm guitars and almost trademark vocals. Well, the drum groove was kind of justifying my initial impression along with the guitar solos that wander in way different territories than Black Metal. As "Mjød" comes next, KVELERTAK continues in the already described surprising-the-listener track with a killer groove and even more Black Metal finishing touches. I should recommend "Blodtørst" with the catchy guitar leads, the ultra groovy Sjøhyenar (Havets Herrer) and "Sultans Of Satan" for the cool title, the sing-along chorus lines and the Jimi Hendrix 70s break (no, I am not pulling your leg here).

It may sound strange but the Scandinavian music diversity strikes back and here we are dealing with a pretty peculiar music blend that I have to admit works amazingly. I mean "Fossegrim" hits you with so many different flavors that keep the overall sound solid breeding, according to my knowledge, a pretty original genre. The catchy groove and the killer guitar leads make peace with the growling vocals throwing MASTODON on the influences-table just before the 70s sounding guitar solo. Confusing huh? Yeah, it is seems it is not an easy task for me to put into words KVELERTAK's music experiment here, without making you reading the same sentence again and again. But, I can assure you that the album will stimulate different levels in your music receptors and for this, I cannot but to recommend this album.

For the millionth time, the Scandinavians remind us who the boss is in the Metal scene by producing great albums, feeding us with stimulating ideas and songs. Go ahead and check this Norwegian band and try to describe the music to someone who hasn't heard of it; it will be fun, trust me!

P.S.: Thanks bro for this suggestion...

7 / 10

Good

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"Kvelertak" Track-listing:
  1. Ulvetid
  2. Mjød
  3. Fossegrim
  4. Blodtørst
  5. Offernatt
  6. Sjøhyenar (Havets Herrer)
  7. Sultans Of Satan
  8. Nekroskop
  9. Liktorn
  10. Ordsmear Av Rang
  11. Utrydd Dei Svake
Kvelertak Lineup:

Erleиd Hjelvik - Vocals
Vidar - Guitar
Bjarte Lund Rolland - Guitar
Maciek - Guitar
Marvin - Bass
Kjetil - Drums

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