Valgaldr - Østenfor sol (2016)

With many Black Metal bands experimenting with all kinds of new elements and some others just focused on releasing kvlt stuff that sounds like it was recorded on a toilet, it is quite refreshing to hear bands like Valgaldr which keep the Norwegian BM torch alive. In “Østenfor sol” the band delivers around 42 minutes of raw and savage BM with the grace and melody of bands like Taake, old Satyricon, old Dark Throne, etc.

Opening with the raw onslaughts of “Tusen Steiner”, the band instantly delivers waves of riffs that are nicely paired with intense drumming and the traditional shrieks. The first standout track in this release is the killer “Et Slott I Skogen”, which features some awesome melodic riffs that will have you headbanging in seconds. This is exactly what we expect from a Norwegian BM band, killer melodic riffs paired with crushing intensity and rawness.

The bands intensity hits new levels with the crushing “Taakenatt”, but it is their versatility that allows them to seamlessly transition to tracks like “Aske Til Aske”, which have a more sinister vibe to them and a slower tempo. Eerily reminding us of the opening of Satyricon’s anthem “Mother North”, the punishing “Slagmark” is another one of our favorite tracks.

As the release closes with the somber “Begravelsesferd”, we are left quite satisfied with the rawness behind the band’s very refined and iconic sounding music. While perfectly maintaining the signature aesthetics of the genre, the band manages to create very unique songs that are quite enjoyable and fun to listen to. If you are looking for a very well balanced mix of intense and melodic/dark Black Metal with Norwegian flair, you can’t go wrong with “Østenfor sol”.

Label: Heathen Tribes

Release: July 1st, 2016

Genre: Norwegian Black Metal

Country: Norway