SVARTELDER
"Pyres"
Dusktone, 2016
SVARTELDER is a band from Norway formed in 2005. It took 11 years to this "band" to release their album debut called "Pyres".
I strongly believe that everything with the term Black Metal (2nd wave) is already written and composed. Black Metal is very square and is enough to listen to Darkthrone's "Under a Funeral Moon", Burzum's "Det som en gång Var" and Mayhem's "De Mysteriis..." All other influences you may add to the style will end up in a combination and will alter its natural sound.
Svartelder plays apparently Black Metal (as stated in Metal-Archives) but is mostly like a combination a many influences of Thrash, Progressive, and even Depressive Metal. Altogether with a Black Metal sound.
I have to say that i have not been impressed in a long time by an album coming from Norway, at least at the first listening. "Pyres" is extremely well (musicaly) produced and arranged. It is not strange since some members of the band have been active in the Metal scene for many years.
"Pyres" made me remember bands like Tulus, Ved Buens Ende and perhaps Fleurety. The vocals are well done and fits perfect with the atmosphere along the album. The cover art is amazing and match with the musical concept the band is showing here.
If you are looking for something with high quality in songwritting, "Pyres" is for you.
Listen: https://dusktone.bandcamp.com/album/svartelder-pyres-dusk031cd
Points: 4.5 of 5