I admit to having severe cynicism for one man (or woman) metal projects, as it conjures up images of desperate teenage angst ridden isolationists spreading themselves far too thinly without actually mastering one particular instrument and do it full justice on album. There are exceptions of course, with Burzum, Bathory, Solefald (currently) being notable ones and now we have Hrafnblóð a self proclaimed blackened death metal project from here in the UK.
As ever albums like this begin with a nice eerie intro titled “Admonition” complete with appropriate message, before launching properly into “Inhumanity Of The Human Race”. My usual criticism for albums like this is the drum sound which is programmed here and whilst not the worst I’ve heard it is very artificial but at least Gaz has given it some thought about how it sounds with the rest of the music. Opening the tune is a deathly riff and screamed vocals of the black variety. The snare blasting program is hyper speed and works just about. The tune reminds of older Anaal Nathrakh, with plenty of melody being injected into the frenzied frosty assault. Into “Ashes of Tyranny” and the razor blade gargling vocals are as tortured as possible as can be without ripping your own throat out. The blur on the drums is unnecessary and detracts from the actual song which in essence is pretty good.
First song I really like is “Last Of A Dying Breed” which has deathcore riffing similarities, a bizarre thing to say I know, but it definitely is and hints at the death angle. A slight transfer into a proper death metal riff is heard along with an accompanying cymbal smash and double kick simulated break. “The Spirit Of Fyrnsidu” offers a change in style with some early Primordial paganesque creepiness before the song increases in speed. Most of the songs on the album have quirky time changes that work very well if a little unexpected and disjointed in places. There are some Burzum elements on “Skeletal Skies” and also the slower style of Marduk with a funeral like atmosphere. As with a lot of these type of albums they are not complete unless there are the sounds of thunder and rainfall alongside what sounds like a harmonica on “Tears For The Einherjar” before an acoustic guitar permeates signalling the arrival of “Heremæcg Galdr” and again I am drawn to Primordial and even the slower side of Drudkh with the pagan style rearing up very proudly.
There are more sound effects on “Possessed” with wind and battle noises providing the back drop for a sinister guitar hook that is really quite depressing especially with the vocal groaning. Having listened to this album a few times now it has certainly grown a half of a point each time and at this juncture it has achieved a decent mark and one that pagan metallers should check out.
6.5/10 (Martin Harris)
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