Gjendød have been out for nearly a decade now to relive the glory days of 90’s Norwegian Black Metal. From the slow and threatening sound of ‘Nedstigning’ to the brutality of ‘Angrep’, the band seems set to take a different angle on their beloved genre with every release. And for their fifth full-length entitled ‘Livskramper’ that is no different.
While these changes in the main formula of each album have become a trademark of the band, the Folk and nature inspired fourth album ‘I Utakt med Verden’ arguably took directions furthest away from their core sound. Opting for a sound that can only be described as atmospheric Black Metal led to a beautiful album in its own right, but perhaps not the album that everyone that adored their older work might prefer. On ‘Livskramper’ there certainly is more familiarity with the entire Gjendød body of work than its predecessor, finding quite some relation to the sophomore record ‘Krigsdøger’ and the third album ‘Angrep’, with a combination of brutality and an epic undertone.
‘Livskramper’ strikes multiple similarities 90’s Black Metal with Gorgoroth and in particular Borknagar, but perhaps is best aligned with the later work of Taake. Contained within the record is a wild and frantic mix of intensity and meandering riffs, the typical prominent Gjendød bass sound and psychedelic synthesizers. While I personally do not care much for the later albums of Taake, Gjendød manages to pull off the variety of elements much better. Even though the sound is hectic and schizophrenic at times, the stability of strong riffs and a gnarly atmosphere are much better balanced, and it never feels as if the band drags out things too much. The spirited and diverse vocals further add to that notion, capturing both the essence of ferocity and bombast in one. Opener ‘Å Ule Mot Feil Måne’ and ‘Gendød’ are examples of this more epic tone, ’Død Manns Skygge’ is rather pure unbridled ferocity, and the likes of ‘Skumringsliv’ is a perfect mix of both, making it a standout for me. Two of my other favorites are the title track, with a slower pace, haunting bass and gnarly tone, and the closing track ‘I Nattens Land’. A song that is ghastly, glorifying, psychedelic and contains some killer sliding riffs and beautiful solo, it’s the ultimate statement of Gjendød, a band that despite all the familiar elements remains to sound truly unique.
If anything has to describe the sound on ‘Livskramper’ it’s the free-minded spirit of the musical compositions that is striking. The catchy guitar riffs, standalone bass lines, frantically shifting drums and possessed vocals combine into a dynamic and unpredictable sound that ranges from skincrawling to epic, but works splendidly all the way through. Once again an exceptional ode to 90’s Norwegian Black Metal by Gjendød, and an album that those that felt alienated by the previous record will want to give a spin.
Osmose Productions
- Country: France
- Style: Black Metal, Death Metal
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, Youtube
