Kampfar (2015) Profan

Band: Kampfar

Country of Origin: Norway

Status: Active

Genre: Pagan Black Metal

Type: Full Length

Format: CD
Length Approx.: 40:00 min.

Release Date: 10-17-2015

Current label: Indie Recordings

Release label: Indie Recordings

IR Classification: Excellent (4.5 / 5)

Listen our review! (English)

An album that wrapped all their essence with emotions that linger heavy, dark and raw

Kampfar began their journey over twenty years ago, their career has been plagued of success in certain circles, but haven't yet reached the full recognition that they deserve and therefore unjustly relegated to the second page of the Black metal history, the band has clearly demarcated their own path into two episodes, the first episode embrace four albums which can be iconic for the sub genre specially "Mellom skogkledde aaser" released in 1997, but we will focus on the latest episode, that started in 2010 with departure of guitarist and bassist Thomas and one of the cornerstones in Kampfar sound, causing a shift in the composition that excels superbly, without underestimating the sound of yesteryear.

"Mare" released in 2011 began the most accessible Black metal period, stepping into a more melodic and powerful sound, but remain heavy with dense ambiances, during 2014 Kampfar released the sequel titled "Djevelmakt" which is not a superfluous Black metal album, it is an abundant recording on emotions, strength and creativity, but "Profan" becomes the link that unites these two previous albums with a more powerful sound and the most consistent in their songwriting.

The album opens with "Gloria Ablaze" eerie riff that explodes in your speakers with fury, dragging you instantly into a chaotic abyss, that gradually turns into a wonderful doom piece totally loaded in heavy tones, contrasting with slamming drums reaching its pick when the blast beats set in, the guitars are raw, while the morbid vocals linger deeper in your soul, "Icons" is another outstanding cut, it is intense, dynamic with orchestral arrangements and defiant drums, adding choruses that give an epic sense, "Daimon" not only one of the best tracks in the whole album, it works as their promo video clip, structured with infectious guitar riff that unleashes mighty landscapes of the underworld, relentless drumming while the raging vocals blend with the music seamlessly, the last song "Tornekrattet" seems to be the perfect closing track, skillfully with heavy melodies and gloomy passages builds an ethereal wall of sounds that suddenly ends letting you hanging on, while you regain your breath.

Kampfar after all were able to accomplish an album that wrapped all their essence with emotions that linger heavy, dark and raw; if I had to define "Profan" with three words, I can't think of any other way, Kampfar has proved once again they still have what it takes to make an excellent Black metal album.

Stay True… Stay Metal… Stay Brutal...

Track List:

1. Gloria Ablaze

2. Profanum

3. Icons

4. Skavank

5. Daimon

6. Pole in the Ground

7. Tornekratt

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1349 (2014) Massive Cauldron of Chaos

Band: 1349
Country of Origin: Norway
Status: Active
Genre: Black Metal
Type: Full Length
Format: CD (Ltd Digipak)
Length Approx.: 42:00 min.
Release Date: 09-29-2014
Current Label: Indie Recordings
Release Label: Season of Mist

IR Classification: Good (3.9 / 5)

Listen our review! (English)

A massive chaotic sound!!!

1349 is a well known Black metal band that was raised in Oslo, Norway around 1997 by Ravn (vocals & drums), Tjalve (guitars), Seidemann (bass) and adding Archaon (guitars) in 1999, later on Frost of Satyricon was asked to lay down the drum tracks and finally he become a permanent member of the band around 2001, Tjalve leave the band in 2006 after a successful year, in order to focus his musical efforts on his band Pantheon I, while 1349 remained the same core lineup since Tjalve's departure. During eighteen years of career, they have released two Ep's and six full length, today I will focus in their latest album the sixth, titled "Massive Cauldron of Chaos" which in my opinion, that's how they always had sound, I believe this album is a step forward and not only the continuation of their previous record "Demonior" in 2010, where predominate an old vibe from the first wave of Black metal.

"Massive Cauldron of Chaos" comes after four years of absence in the studio; I thought is a long time but at the end the result passed my expectations. So; why expect less? when you have such talent together, there is no reason to do that, since the moment they uncover the album artwork, some kind of devilish and eerie entity on white background, that definitely told me something good will come out of this, "Massive Cauldron of Chaos" it is an album title very suggestive that defines what exactly lies in there, with a modern production, delivers a hell of a sound.

The album opens with "Cauldron" built in an eerie intro, explodes within seconds in your speakers, I know; anyone who loves Marduk, Gorgoroth will enjoy this, fast clean riff by Archaon blends with the blistering drums of Frost and Ravn brings his raspy and guttural vocals that quickly connects with "Slaves" with thrash nuances but with the heaviness and speed of Black metal, incorporates chorus and the spoken parts that make this one of the most outstanding cuts, "Exorcism" it extends the dose with some riff influenced by Watain, a terrific guitar solo by Archaon at the 3:20 mark, then comes "Postmortem" where you can appreciate clearly the early thrash influence in the guitar, crushing riff and a exciting double bass drum, "Mengele's" musically explores a wide range of riff and even include some ambient passages, "Chained" it was structured with catchy riff, while Frost behind the drums blends the pace and Seidenman with his bass add some textures in the background, the CD digipak Limited Edition released for US include an unlisted instrumental track, which last slightly over one minute and work as intro for "Godslayer" here 1349 unleashes all their fury and wrath with killer riff, devastating drums and aggressive vocals that shred your guts, in an offering to the black cult, the very last track in this version of the album is "The Heretic" is a Possessed cover song from their album "Beyond the Gates" released back in 1986, here they are coming up with a sound that is more Thrash and heavier, merciless vocals, this is a must hear track and believe me they don't disappoint at all, what an exciting and ruthless album end.

It's definitely an album with a solid black metal, taking many influences from contemporaneous bands as well as the early Thrash and Black metal age, arguably this represents the 1349 sound and their legacy, however if you are highly strict with your Black metal dose, this album will not be essential for you to listen to.

Stay True… Stay Metal… Stay Brutal...

Track List:

1. Cauldron
2. Slaves
3. Exorcism
4. Postmortem
5. Mangele's
6. Golem
7. Chained
8. Untitled
9. Godslayer
10. The Heretic (Possessed cover)*

Official Website
Season of Mist

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