Norwegian black metal stalwarts Kampfar spread perennial darkness through the menacing soundscapes and the mythological flair of the brand new release “Til Klovers Takt”.
Within the lugubrious sonic realm of “Lausdans Under Stjernene” the lavish & cryptic atmospheric arrangements enhance a dramatic depth around the harsh blackened rhythmic core fueled by the ravenous combo of dismal riffage and monolithic drum blasts.
“Flammen Fra Nord” can sound absolutely chaotic as the black metal elements become dominant dictating vicious guitar riffs and breakneck speed while the slower passages put the spotlight on the mournful tonalities and the tormented vocal delivery.
“Rekviem” unleashes immense wrath through the relentless tremolo picking and the consequent series of aggressive blackened rhythmic patterns in contrast with the classical style of the sumptuous keyboards.
Throughout “Dødens aperitiff” guitars seem to arise from the darkest abyss generating a decadent rhythmic march in the midst of a solemn atmospheric ensemble but also manage to craft a captivating melodic gloom.
Ancient stories and eerie atmospheric tapestries are at the center of “Til Klovers Takt” but Kampfar staying true to their sinister roots certainly never fail to deliver a monumental furious black metal assault.

Norwegian alternative folk band Gåte aims to express poignant emotions and epic vibes with the latest acoustic release “Nord”.
“Solfager og Ormekongen” welcomes you to a magical realm as the folk inspiration thrives within the graceful arpeggios and the eloquent violin melodies enhanced by a spellbinding vocal performance.
“Svik” might acquire darker tonalities putting the spotlight on the arcane flair of the percussion and the solemn choirs while the versatile vocals shift from fragile harmonies to a theatrical delivery.
The detailed composition of “Hemnarsverdet” relies on hypnotizing rhythmic patterns embellished by soothing violins and the passionate vocals sound like an ancient invocation as the Nordic spirit becomes quite powerful.
“Sigurd og Trollbrura” offers a captivating blend of dazzling violin phrases and intricate acoustic passages building an engaging rhythm and highlighting delightful folk nuances once again emphasized by the captivating vocals.
“Kjærleik” feels like a fading daydream conveying a sense of tranquility as the delicate vocals flow gently within the vivid acoustic ensemble which ultimately leads to an enticing rhythmic crescendo.
The intense final track “Sjåaren” manifests a glowing spiritual essence through the genuinely emotive nature of the mellow acoustic guitars and the haunting vocal performance.
The enchanting melodies of “Nord” belong to distant pristine landscapes as Gåte meticulously explore the Norwegian traditional music history focusing on a cathartic acoustic approach.

Norwegian band Kampfar has been around for twenty five years crafting intense extreme metal music and after taking some time off to heal the release of the new album “Ofidians Manifest” marks a majestic renaissance.

“Syndefall” unleashes an obscure impactful sonic assault with vicious growls matching the aggressive rhythmic patterns which belong to the darkest realm of metal showcasing an inflamed blackened force that demands anguished atmospheres and belligerent guitar riffs.

On “Ophidian” the soaring guitar riffs confidently craft obscure rhythmic progressions channeling an overdose of dismal emotions enriched by the addition of some triumphant epic vibes fully expressed by the solemn clean vocals and choirs.

“Dominans” continues to offer wicked blackened grooves but stands out for the mysterious aura and suspenseful keyboards arrangements that surround a darkly alluring melodic essence enhanced by a dramatic vocal duet featuring guest vocalist Agnete Kjølsrud.

A sense of desolation emerges through fragile acoustic phrases on the lavish final track “Det Sorte” followed by powerful rhythmic blasts characterized by fast grim guitar riffs and pagan metal accents while the exquisite melancholic soul will truly come to life through dreamy piano melodies, haunting atmospheric arrangements and theatrical vocal delivery.

Kampfar naturally demonstrate the ability to express authentic emotions through gelid melodic tapestries and ferocious blackened momentum on “Ofidians Manifest” which always holds a darkened fervor that feels like the perfect way to begin a new flourishing chapter of the band’s career.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABZcb0kbfi8

Since twenty five years Aura Noir have proven many times to be Norway’s blackened thrash metal kings and the sixth album simply entitled “Aura Noire” continues to unleash the band’s grimmest traditions with evident untamed fury.

“Dark Lung Of The Storm” opens the album with a generous dosage of obscure and frenetic guitar riffs leading the way to a rather blackened sonic realm but still keeping your favorite thrash dynamics alive and even if the rhythmic blasts are not exaggeratedly fast the whole instrumentation feels incredibly powerful and menacing.

As “Hell’s Lost Chambers” begins with moderate thrash rhythmic patterns and moody blackened vibes built by intriguing riffing & drumming it takes a while to pick up the expected fierce energy which will not necessarily follow the usual straightforward structure as guitars gain a theatrical darkened fluidity during a mysterious atmospheric breakdown.

With growing intensity “The Obscuration” is a black hole of diabolical screams and unstoppable thunderous grooves bearing visceral thrash urgency and delivering an overdose of tight guitar riffs and infectious leads that barely have any melodic hints.

“Shades Ablaze” will satisfy your moshpit needs with all the raw energy built by super groovy guitar riffs and precise drumbeats that often acquire extra feverish speed while a palpable hellish mood simply pervades every instrumental passage always enhanced by raspy borderline desperate screams.

The primordial nature of “Cold Bone Grasp” will hit you hard with another round of soaring guitar riffs that go straight to the point with no frills or special effects but an authentic raw blackened essence with the occasional groovy solo marching through solid rhythmic hooks.

Aura Noir’s devoted fanbase will find plenty of tasty guitar driven aggressive blasts throughout “Aura Noire” which feels absolutely relevant in the current scene and should not be considered just a nostalgic thrash metal album.