Artist: Naglfar
Title: Téras
Genre: Melodic Black Metal
Release Date: 23rd March 2012
Label: Century Media Records
Album Review
NAGLFAR is a melodic black metal band from Sweden. Formed in 1992, originally under the name UNINTERRED, the band, like many in the scene, has since gone through some rather turbulent line-up changes leaving them with three members - Kristoffer "Wrath" Olivius, Andreas Nilsson and Marcus "Vargher" Norman. On ‘Téras’, the core members are supported by Dirk Verbueren, a session drummer known for his cooperation with SOILWORK (among others). Naglfar is a term derived from Norse mythology that describes a ship made from corpse nails. During the final events of Ragnarǫk, the ship will carry the hordes that shall engage in the fight with the gods. NAGLFAR are also well-known for their ability to shock - their album ’Pariah’ was condemned by some for its utterly profane lyrics. Something for every serious black metal band to be very proud of!
NAGLFAR’s new album is an absolute masterpiece. Rich and monumental, it is precisely what melodic black metal should be. Guitar riffs are simply smashing to the point where one can start thinking about progressive metal. It does not however go that far and remains pitch black, filthy and uncompromising. ‘Pale Horse’ will rip your guts out before you know it. It is so full of hate my head spins every time I listen to it. Pure poison spat out by wrath with every single word, accompanied by relentless drums. The following track ‘III: Death Dimension Phantasma’ is a perfect example of how proper musical craftsmanship can make things flow. It has its fast moments and its slow moments but it remains astonishingly consistent and neat. It will make you feel like a puppet being repeatedly drag into it and pushed away as the rhythm changes. There is a subtle aura of evil to it, something I always look for in melodic black metal. ‘Come Perdition’ alike, is coarse and abrasive, yet catchy.
This is what positively puzzles me about ‘Téras’ - this album is undoubtedly not less evil than ‘Pariah’ but it is far easier to listen to. It is not cheaply commercial, so there is no risk of putting off the hard-headed black metal devotees. Yet, the melodies are quite brilliant and appealing, mounted on a solid base of true instrumental proficiency. Their previous album, ‘Harvest’, voted by many the best album in the NAGLFAR’s career was extremely crude and sharp. It seems like five years later the band decided to knock the rough edges off a little. Some may say that slowing down means losing some of the original NAGLFAR’s evil energy. I disagree. To me this album is as black as black metal can be but instead of reproducing over and over the rabid screams of blood thirsty warriors, the band have evolved into something calmer but more sinister. A band does not have to sound like a MAYHEM demo in order to be truly evil and to condemn NAGLFAR for developing and improving their style would be foolish and immature.
This album will dig deep into your soul and elicit all the evil and monstrosity within. It is full of pure misantrophia. If black metal is war, this battle is definitely won!
Tracklist
01. Téras (02:16)
02. Pale Horse (03:38)
03. III: Death Dimension Phantasma (04:15)
04. The Monolith (06:33)
05. An Extension Of His Arm And Will (04:46)
06. Bring Out Your Dead (04:49)
07. Come Perdition (05:43)
08. Invoc(H)ate (04:24)
09. The Dying Flame Of Existence (08:11)
Line-up
Kristoffer Olivius – vocals
Andreas Nilsson – guitars
Marcus E. Norman – guitars, bass, keyboars
Drums played and recorded by Dirk Verbeuren at Die Crawling Studio
Website
www.naglfar.net
Cover Picture
Rating
Sound: 9.5
Music: 9.5
Total: 9.5 / 10
Buy the album here!
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