Tag: iceland

Legend – Midnight Champion

Legend is another absolutely intriguing band coming from the burgeoning rock/metal scene of Iceland and the newest effort “Midnight Champion” elegantly gathers kaleidoscopic nuances and multiple influences ranging from retro electro-goth to modern post-metal flavors.

“Cryptid” is a winning album opener where mysterious sounds introduce an eclectic music blend that certainly focuses on atmospheric quality with loads of compelling synths arrangements favoring a darkened mood yet the comforting vocal delivery and the steady understated guitar grooves provide subtle energetic dynamics.

“Time To Suffer” offers engaging electro beats reminiscent of unforgettable ‘80s electro-goth style and you might have to just let go of any inhibition and start dancing yet Legend packs the main melodic core with overwhelming darkness as groovy crunchy guitar riffs hold hints of distorted industrial metal elements and vocals shift from polished delivery to a more wicked tone.

Almost like an electro ballad version “Adrift” relies particularly on hazy luminous atmospheric layers and powerfully contemplative vocals channeling an emotional palette but towards the end gains a higher dose of energy and epic vibes with sparkling melodic composition.

After a dramatic atmospheric beginning revolving around impressive vocals the title track swiftly acquires majestic vibes as well as somber melodic catchiness built by monumental synths and minimalist guitars.

With some pop upbeats and charming retro atmospheric arrangements “Liquid Rust” definitely evokes some surreal romantic gloom yet the main rhythm & chorus become too catchy to trigger sadness as the flawless electro rock blend here feels both danceable and spaced out.

While all over “Midnight Champion” lingers an exquisite Nordic feeling that belongs to cold winter days Legend is always able to provide great catchiness in every rhythmic variation/pattern resulting in a widely enjoyable work of music.

Katla – Móðurástin

Named after a majestic active volcano Icelandic duo Katla, featuring ex-Sólstafir drummer and visual artist Guðmundur Óli Pálmason and singer/multi-instrumentalist Einar Thorberg Guðmundsson, has released the stunning debut album “Móðurástin” packed with a remarkable taste for poetry and fascinating darkly atmospheric soundscapes.

Starting with delicate arpeggios “Hyldýpi” belongs to a realm of enchanting darkness as the whole instrumentation gradually acquires heavier dynamics with thick guitars and drums yet maintains a surreal atmospheric quality smoothly entwined with somber passionate vocals.

With significant instrumental clarity “Hvila” features a refined blend of cathartic guitar melodies and classical atmospheric arrangements yet some sophisticated dark metal nuances tend to dominate the song’s structure with vibrant distortions and sharp rhythmic patterns without sacrificing the ethereal inner poetry.

In the beginning “Hreggur” feels rather contemplative with a minimalist sonic approach reminiscent of modern post-rock dynamics that favors slow paced melodies while impeccable poignant vocals gently flow through bewitching atmospheric layers but guitars will eventually acquire a primordial obscure energy with absolutely fierce heavier & faster rhythms.

The title track evokes subtle majestic winter flavors and gains a noticeable primal monolithic force delivering a fair dosage of blackened intensity with tight frenetic rhythmic dynamics skillfully built by obscure guitar riffs and borderline enraged vocals but also features kaleidoscopic glimpses of an immensely darkened scenario.

With understated creative sparks “Dulsmál” is the darkest opus on this album featuring intricate sonic diversity as the band eagerly explores multifaceted music territories.  The dramatic tonalities and the enigmatic solemn beginning introduce a particularly epic series of complex guitar driven rhythmic sections with enticing experimental accents while cinematic dense atmospheric layers contribute to the creation of a gloomy sonic palette further enriched by exquisitely darkened melancholic guitar passages.

It could be because of the long dark winters or the summer’s midnight sun, nevertheless the marvelous bands hailing from Iceland are a force to be reckoned with and listening to “Móðurástin” it becomes clear that Katla is on the right pathway to earn a solid status in the current metal scene.

Auðn – Farvegir Fyrndar

Iceland is quickly becoming a burgeoning center for extraordinary underground metal and Auðn might have what it takes to be one of the leaders of such fervent movement with the new melancholic blackened album “Farvegir Fyrndar”.

Immediately “Veröld Hulin” evokes wintry mesmerizing atmospheres with arcane drum beats and soft arpeggios leading straight to a primordial ensemble of blackened guitar riffs and distant ominous growls that never truly overpower the inner melodic nuances.

“Lífvana Jörð” channels immense melancholy with ethereal guitar melodies bearing a remarkable crestfallen mood that continues to emerge throughout the entire song even if enraged vocals and faster guitar driven patterns often acquire particularly obscure tonalities.

“Haldreipi Hugans” continues to balance darkly poetic melodies and a mysterious blackened force as slow gentle harmonies are simply entwined to a massive dosage of aggressive guitar riffs and drums.

With similar bleak yet charismatic melodic textures “Ljósaslæður” gains hypnotizing power through surreal minimalist guitars and gloomy atmospheres that simply surround the harsher blackened core.

With crispy instrumental clarity “Skuggar” features a graceful crescendo of darkly captivating melodies genuinely evoking a rather emotional sonic palette that persists even through the scattered traditional black metal ferocious moments.

Channeling absolute darkness and multifaceted atmospheric black metal “Farvegir Fyrndar” holds the beloved Nordic mix of ethereal melodies and cold heavier sonic assaults as Auðn carefully weaves the elements of an essential winter soundtrack.