KVELERTAK are a Norwegian Heavy Metal band from Stavanger formed back in 2017. This is their first album with lead singer Ivar Nikolaisen. Back in July 2018 they parted ways with the well loved Erlend Hjelvik. He was the singer since the beginning of the band. Ivar Nikolaisen did however collaborate with the band beforehand on the song ''Blodtorst'' that was on their first album back in 2011. This is also their first album on Rise Records after spending countless years previously with Roadrunner Records.

This is by far one of the most aggressive albums I have heard in the last few years. KVELERTAK are definitely quite unique, they mix Hardcore Punk with Black Metal and Heavy Rock. Their sound is unlike anything I ever heard before. They are unique and there is this manic energy that is the driving force behind this band. I know a lot of people were quite disappointed with the departure of Erlend Hjelvik but Ivar Nikolaisen fits in nicely with the band and brings unbridled energy to the band. The frenetic pace of his voice and the screeches come at you like a speeding train. He brings something to the band that may have been missing beforehand and they were already familiar with him with the prior collaboration. I felt he gelled well with the band nonetheless.

I guess the most intriguing song of the album is ''Crack of Doom'' that features Troy Sanders from MASTODON. This could have been something taken from ''Blood Mountain'' from the aforementioned MASTODON. This is the first single of the album and it's no coincidence, this has your adrenaline pumping to the max. This band is relentless and it's hard to catch your breath. It's extremely aggressive and in your face, it does not hold up and they mix so many different styles. It has the attitude of Hardcore Punk with the tripping distortion of guitars of Psychedelic Rock. It brings the listener to the biggest roller coaster in the world and drops you playfully without hesitation. KVELERTAK are right now on tour in Europe and hopefully they will come back to Montreal in the near future because I wouldn't like to miss a show like that!