So we have a Norwegian black metal band by the name of LUTEØKS and they are very much in the early beginning of their band and musical expedition, as they have only released two singles titled "Skjegg" and "Shaved Vengeance". These two singles are now included on what is to be their first official release titled BARELY TRUE NORWEGIAN BLACK METAL which has been released as of last month. The band can be described as 'letting the creativity flow freely, resulting in lyrics that reflect the aforementioned black metal realm. They are also full of obscure references and humorous punchlines - in between the hard hitting black metal, naturally.' So it is clear anyway that they mix black metal with maybe parody elements which I don't often come across, so it is something different at least.

The band themselves are led by vocalist RONNY HANIELSEN, accompanied by guitarists THOR GEORG BAUER & KRISTIAN LARSEN, we also have on bass guitar JO HENNING BØRVEN and then on drums is TORKEL SANDBRÅTEN RØSTEN. So we have these five hungry musicians who are ready to show what they are capable of and we can go straight into their debut album now with the first track which is "Dritfjell" as mass anarchy is in motion with all elements pulsating quickly. Drums do pull back slightly with a more halftime measure, but all other instruments are still awake and full of fire. A two minute intro to the album is merely the beginning anyway as we head into the next track which is "Sekken".

The second track is as deadly as before, vocals belting out those screamer notes and giving the listener so much edge and thrilling aspects to the track, as every other instrument does well to follow along. The tempo does vary a bit with the contrast of different drum rhythms and we can hear backing vocals, electric guitar also gives a rather more eclectic solo part. Vocals bow out for a short time but return with almighty vengeance and strength, as the backing vocals are clear in the background as the track propels us into the next track. "Langbortistan" opens with a more electronic drum beat, plus organ soundscape surrounding the listener, then the full band comes in for the kill.

We hear drums bringing in more lower toned fills and spills as rather more humorous vocals come in as well, the organ soundscape is back in too. The endurance of vocals, guitars and drums are so well orchestrated, as the tempo changes a bit for the parody vocals to return once more. There is so much of an operatic and theatrical sound to this track, so we must move on into "Svart" with guitars introducing the track, as drums emerge on a very consistent tempo. Stirring as ever vocals echo and sustain so much of what they are doing, drums provide the space or foundation for all the other instruments to build on top of.

"Vemod" as the vocals and drums do well to combine their efforts to stand out more as drums thump each note as they come. Dynamics and  style is very much at the heart of this track as the previous track proved to be too, as this one is short enough. "PrikkedÃ,den" with more throbbing drums as the other elements continue on from where they left off in the previous track, this all reaches a point of climax halfway through the track. A simple enough repeat of what we have heard before, as the satanic rituals come undone and are mesmerising. Vocal harmonies do come back as we near the coming of the next track which is  "BIÃ¥" as we heard laughter from the previous track, but it is business as usual here but with a more stamping foot of authority here like a thrash metal influence is hidden in the drum parts.

There is a lot more variation and drama being created by vocals this time, definitely more of a contribution of the nasty and cleaner vocal harmonies merging as one. A solo section for drums and guitars to enjoy with lots of cymbal hits, guitar roars on each riff then a rather quieter section with vocals at the forefront. The thrash metal drum style returns as well with fury as we head into the next track which is "Tvinnleik", drums especially with guitars fueling an explosion of black metal monstrosity. Vocals speak over all this and we hear backing vocals come in as well as faster and compelling drums consuming so much with guitars also standing out as much.

There are also some essences of doom metal perhaps, but we certainly hear more black metal more than any other style or influence. The track hits the nail on the head as we head into the next track which is "Ljåen", as we hear guitar feedback and amp effects, as drums help to build a crescendo. The track speeds up and takes on a more erratic approach, running away like a greyhound chasing a rabbit, however the drums aren't chasing anything it is more the other instruments are trying to keep up with them instead. Vocals remain the same as we head into the next track which is "Snerk" as it begins with a deep snort of vocals, then a rather occultic and haunting atmosphere is painted by the sound of organ and each instrument.

There is some variation in guitar tone, going from sustained to more of a quicker tempo, as it belts out those notes, in both sections with such creativity. We even hear bells ringing and then a keyboard sound later on in the track but we must not stop, we head straight into the next track which is "Granskauen" as we hear the same transitions from sustained and pulsating sections, plus delightful guitar solos. Drums certainly stand out as the lead narrative with cymbals crashing and speedy metal vibes swirling around as we head into the next track as  "Skjegg" as guitar brings this one with thick riffs echoing on. Again we hear the guitar changing tone for those transitions, igniting the energy of the full band unison.

Drums do impress me so much, they know what they must do to keep the momentum alive and kicking with vocals also giving some fantastic contributions. So into the next track we go, which is "Valhalla Halls" as we hear the rumbling low tonal quality of drums and guitars as vocals are now creating the dynamics. This track does create such a different way of how this album has gone, there is more fight and resilience as well which is admirable. "We Sail" has a quick starter then the conquering black metal fusion of all instruments makes its mark especially with vocals doubling up in strength and tenacity. A short instrumental passage appears and then it is a race to the next track as we come to the final frontier which is "Shaved Vengeance".

A wild intro as the final track is more adventurous and experimental, guitars are just the essence and beating heart of this album with drums setting the pace but also creating the surrounding circle of hell the vocals go through. There is no doubt that this is how a black metal album can finish with style and of course mighty vengeance, as the title suggests. The guitars are not as overpowering but positioned very well in the mix, this ending section thunders down and then all comes to a final guitar sound ringing out. The album has so much to offer and it does deliver, however I do believe they can keep going and release another album as there is so much potential they have.