norway

Antigama A bunch of new writing up – at Metal Injection, I’ve got reviews of Polish grinders Antigama, Norwegian black metal band Throne of Katarsis, and Los Angeles prog metallers Redemption, as well as interviews with Spanish band NahemaH and shredder Laura Christine from San Diego death metallers Warface. Antigama – Neutral BalanceNaglfar – The […]

VBS.tv (aka Vice TV) has posted its five-part documentary on Gorgoroth. It’s short, about half an hour total. Photographer Peter Beste is involved, which no doubt aided this rare, intimate look at singer Gaahl. Ignore the silly TV/PS3 interface, and check it out: Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 – Part 4 – […]

Devoured by Flames Nocturnal Art2007 For some reason, retro thrash is hip right now. Every other day seems to yield another band with denim jackets, improbable hair, and Ed Repka artwork. However, little of this stuff feels like what it claims to emulate. The riffs, tones, beats, vocals, and, most importantly, the vibe are all […]

From the Dead to This World camp comes this missive: Following the departure of Mord and Goatpromoter Lava (ed. note: what a name!) due to other commitments, Norwegian black metallers Dead to This World have announced that Kvitrafn (Jotunspor, ex-Gorgoroth) would be taking over drumming duties for the recording of the new album. Dead to […]

MoribundSkvadron Twilight Vertrieb2006 Even for black metal, Koldbrann is grim. I saw this Norwegian band play recently, and by the end of its set, the crowd was in a dazed stupor. Illuminated by a few flaming torches, the band played mostly without stage lights. Dark (literally) and uniform in texture, songs buzzed and droned, seemingly […]

Torn Asunder Self-Released2006 Icon-Eight is Mactabilis from Bergen, Norway. In Thrash the Moment! he’s concocted four cuts of raw, vicious thrash/death. The bio and title both reference ’80s thrash, but the sheer ferocity and occasional blastbeat tip this EP closer to death metal. Whatever you call it, it rocks. The production is gritty but solid, […]

My reviews of I’s Between Two Worlds and Her Candane’s No Battle! are up at Stylus and Metal Injection, respectively.

My review of Borknagar’s Origin is now up at Stylus.

Also on Cock Rock Disco is Next Life, who sound like if Zombi and Fantomas got together to score Zelda. With this Norwegian duo, you get the cinematic synths of the former and the ADD of the latter. Songs burst into bloom with proggy odd meters and power chords, only to jump cut to the […]

My review of the new Black Elk is up at Stylus. It’s a hot, nasty slice of noise rock straight from the ’90s. Over at Metal Injection, I’ve reviewed the new Jotunspor, A.C.T., and Kylesa. Norwegian black metal/dark ambient, Swedish prog rock, and Southern sludge metal – all good stuff. Enjoy!