Album Type : Full Length
Date Released : 13/1/2014
Label : Indie Recordings
Nedom Og Nord, album track listing :
1. A Fading Horizon
2. Underworldly
3. Iskald
4. The Silence
5. Nidingsdåd
6. Nedom og Nord
Bio :
Two winters has passed since the release of “The Sun I Carried Alone”, Iskald` s previous record that saw the light of day in February 2011. As all their releases, this was well received critical acclaim and great feedback from fans all over the world. For two years, they have been writing their latest epos. Finally, on the third winter, they return with their fourth full-length effort “Nedom og Nord”.
Iskald still sounds as fierce, cold and intense as before, but with even more massive guitars, aggressive bass-lines, complex drumming and harsh vocals. “Nedom og Nord” is by far their most epic album to date, containing six long masterpieces, each with different lyrical themes. This is their first Norwegian entitled album, in which half of the lyrics are based on their mother-tongue. And finally, their self-titled song “Iskald” was finished and put on the new record. It's a monumental hymn dedicated to the surroundings and people of their home; Nordland.
“Nedom og Nord” is their tribute to the northern parts of Norway
The Band :
Simon Larsen | Guitars, bass, vocals
Aage Kreklin | Drums
Ben Hansen | Live guitarist
Kenneth Henriksen | Live bassist
Review :
An aggressive opening with The Fading Horizon, laden with fast paced tremolo picking and coordinated with crushing chord riffs, the tone is immediately set for what follows. Pummelling blast beats and menacing growly vocals reinforce the utter black metal-ness of their music, a consistent factor of the album. The drums play a crucial role, while obviously being blast beat heavy an array of beats and tempos add an exhilarating touch. Underworldly continues the melodic black metal assault, while Iskald showcases the more melodic side yet still being, to quote Devin Townsend’s former band Strapping Young Lad’s album title ‘Heavy as a really heavy thing.’
Ascending riffs break up the sometimes monotonous nature of the music, outlining the distinct grandiose aspect of ‘Nedom Og Nord’. The album possibly comes across as a little rigid at times, and will therefore predominantly appeal to fans of Norwegian black metal (Immortal in particular) whilst not necessarily enticing in a wider audience of extreme metal fans.
The album peaks perhaps a little too late with final track Nedom Og Nord a song dedicated to the surroundings and people of their home Nordland, and is the outright triumph of the album. A soaring conclusion which really defines the icy, wintery vibe that Iskald are all about, evoking imagery of busting out a solo on a snow covered mountain (think Immortal’s video for All Shall Fall).
Whilst the entire album very much appealed to me the majestic ten minute finale of Nedom Og Nord was a cut above the rest. The musicianship and production of the album is nothing but sublime, it’s well crafted and intelligently composed. Iskald have truly excelled with this latest release, yet another Norwegian export that produces superb black metal.
Words by : Heather Blewett
You can buy it here
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