Isvind – Gud (2015)

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With Black Metal bands appearing like the plague these days, it is quite refreshing to receive a majestic album from a band that has been lurking in the shadows for many years. Norway’s Isvind has been around since 1992 (with some breaks in between), and their pedigree shows in their latest full-length release “Gud”. Delivering nine crushing songs, this is one hell of an album from start to end.

Opening with some angelic vocals, “Flommen” sets a very ethereal mood only to flip the coin on you with some brutal BM riffs and hellish vocals. This song has a certain melodic edge that uses choirs and melodic riffs to create a very involving atmosphere. With AntiChristian of Tsjuder fame filling in on drums, the band blasts away with pummeling tracks like “Ordet” and “Himmelen”, keeping that frosty Norwegian Black Metal vibe present at all times.

The band experiments with creepy atmospheric elements on songs like “Dåren”, keeping the listener always guessing and expectant. Invoking some older Satyricon and Kampfar, the band delivers punishing tracks like “Boken” and “Giften”, further cementing their Black Metal roots into their explosive sound. Goblin and Arak Draconiiz do a great job handling the vocals and delivering a very raw and brutal experience.

When the band hits the breaks on tracks like “Hyrden” and “Spiret”, we are totally intoxicated with their melodic passages that will immerse you into their world. The ability to switch between full on war and atmospheric/melodic sections is something we learned to appreciate from experienced bands, as it shows greater skill in crafting songs that are both brutal and melodic and work well for the genre.

Overall, “Gud” is one monumental release that grabs the listener by the throat and never lets go. For over 45 minutes Isvind delivers relentless Black Metal that is crafted to perfection. If you like the genre, and are in the market for some Norwegian BM, I don’t think you could do better than this album in 2015, so pick up your copy.

Band: Isvind Album: Gud

Label: Folter Records

Release: June 26th, 2015

Official Site Social Media

Genre: Black Metal

Country: Norway

Rating: 92/100
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