Wagner Ödegård remains a mysterious yet cult project within the depths of underground Black Metal. Their unique form of playing combined with the rawness of the recordings creates such a strange atmosphere that seems exclusive to this band. This atmosphere goes only grows stronger within the bounds of the ‘Gryningenne’ demo. A fourteen minute 7” inch that brings forth all that one can ask from a raw Black metal project.
From the beginning we are greeted by a track entitled ‘Rota’. An instrumental leading us through repetitive yet meditative riffing, lulling the listener into the state they should preferably be in to admire this release for all that it holds. The second track, ‘Odegripelik’, is the only track with vocals, and as harsh and distorted as they may be, they create a song that does not stray from the creative path of Wagner Ödegård’s previous albums. This song really brings forth the Darkthrone ‘In the Shadow of the Horns’ influence that is rife throughout this project, yet not without retaining the uniqueness that this project contains. The final track, also an instrumental, contains an acoustic guitar this time and silently but perfectly ends this demo.
To be honest I may be bias because I have great admiration for Wagner Ödegård but then again so should all fans of projects like Wulkanaz. This demo may be short in time but still provides a good listen for all fans of Black Metal who are not afraid of raw production, yet I do not think Black Metal is the genre for you if you are.
