After a relatively slow start to their career, at least release wise, Förgjord really picked up the pace around 2017. With their 5th full-length in around 7 years, the band definitely is on a creative high. And so, two years after the release of ‘Ruumissaarna Pt. 1’ we have ‘Perkeleen Weri’ to dig into, as always brought by their partner in crime Werewolf Records.
In essence, the latest album is exactly what you would expect from the band, as they stay close to themselves on this release. Having said that, there are maybe slightly more lower to mid tempo sections on this record compared to predecessor ‘Ruumissarna pt 1’, and perhaps a little bit more emphasis on atmosphere. Furthermore, the production is a little bit rawer and more stripped down, but overall the albums follows the same path that the band has been taking for several decades now.
While ‘Perkeleen Weri’ may not a major deviation in their trademark formula, it is certainly one of their stronger records in the discography. That all has to do with refinement. Although their main redeeming quality has always been in mixing dynamics and groove with strong melodies, the latest album seems to be even more determined in those regards. Take for instance opener ‘Silmainkaantaja’, a song that’s chugging and grooving initially, but then loads on the melancholic melody and pace in a raw and catchy manner that grows into an almost bombastic entity. Or the following ‘Karmeenkieli’, a more threatening song with clear hints of Heavy and Doom Metal in the vein of Black Sabbath, gloomy Gregorian keys and a floating ending. ‘Kalm’ is a shorter song, but no less interesting, morphing from a catchy riff with spoken sample to a clean Pagan piece that ends in a simple yet effective tremolo melody . ‘Raskas Veden Taakka’ is one of the grandest songs by the band so far, with intense escalations, threatening riffs, ominous organs and razorsharp vocals. The final track ‘Pettava Suo’ closes the album in a somewhat lower tempo, sorrowfully strumming in a manner that reminds me of My Dying Bride’s ‘The Cry of Mankind’. Guided by recitations upon a repetitive melody and adorned by further tremolo melodies and moody keyboards, how the main guitar theme guides the song to ultimately transpire into a piano ending is simply majestic.
‘Perkeleen Weri’ is stated to be an album that more closely adheres to the old traditions of Black Metal, emphasizing the power of the riff and not hiding behind production and mindless tempos. That statement is certainly true, although I would argue that Förgjord have always harboured that ethic in their music. Slightly rawer and stripped down in production, the latest album manages to highlight the strengths of the band, which are their catchy melodies, dynamic shifts and sense of atmosphere. Indeed, without any other means than excellently written and played Black Metal.
Förgjord
- Country: Finland
- Style: Black Metal
- Links: Facebook, Bandcamp, Spotify
