Genre: Melodic Black Metal
Label: Grom Records
Format: CD
Our view : 92 %
It is very well
known that in the past two decades the Scandinavian metal scene has achieved
what only few regions in the world managed in metal music. Frozen in the
shackles of the specific music and above all the dark Nordic metal, Scandinavia
is already a built creation of a special metal world. It is obvious that the
Norse mythological segment often prevails in Scandinavian metal elements and
that he is just one major brand of Nordic image. On the other hand, countless
bands at full speed every day present their fans sometimes very similar and
therefore ragged things that begin to resemble each other and lose their
quality and originality in this “flood”. It is exactly the same situation in
the black metal world for years. However, any remotely experienced listener is
ready to recognize what comes from the depths of the soul and a way of life of
Northerners and the one that does not constitute a mere copy and already seen
things. Not every band or project can offer that to you completely, but when you
find it you will firmly hold to it.
This time the
story takes us to Denmark, from where the band Fjorsvartnir comes. The band was
formed in 2007 as a melodic black metal one-man project consisting of a
Fjörgynn , who is also known as the drummer of the band Blodarv in which he
formerly participated. After the first demo release "A Praise To My
Ancestors preponderance" of 2010, the band released her first album
“Legions Of The North” in 2012 for the Serbian Grom Records, and this summer
Fjorsvartnir brings us the new album “Mzoraxc ' Forbandelse”, which we’ve had
the opportunity to listen to.
Melodic intro at
the beginning of the first song “Ravneskrig Og Ulvehyl” has entirely introduced
the listener into what is characteristic for Fjorsvartnir. Convincing epic
elements permeate the whole album completely, while the mentioned track is
enriched with atmospheric pagan details. Sudden and lightning-fast changes of
rhythm and intonation add the special charm to the melody that Fjörgynn raised
to a higher level this time. The next track “Nordens Genopstandelse” with the
same story and rhythm evokes the Nordic power that dominates on this album. By
far it is already clear that Fjorsvartnir pushes the boundaries of musical
abilities and emotional energy which is much more assertive on this album. The
same thing finds us on tracks “En rejse igennem fortidens Riger”, “Riget”, “Mzoraxc
- Mødet med underverdenen”, each of which build a solid and totally original
base. Epic moments prevail also in the sixth track called “Krigssat” in which a
beautiful female pagan vocal captivates us bringing the raw verses in an
enchanting and intoxicating way. The manifestation of power continues in rough
and fast song “Der sidste slag”, while the last track “Valkyrie” brought with
perfect emotional female voice of Nanna Barslev (from the band Huldre), closes
this album.
Unlike their
work in the beginning, we’ve noticed that the “Mozarxc’ Forbandelse” has shown
not only the improvement in Fjorsvartnir’s work, but the skill, strength and talent
of one man. Therefore it should be mentioned that the production is at a very
high level, nor the design is not lagging a bit. The credit for that goes to
Dragan Paunovic but to Fjörgynn as well. As for the complaints, they are so
tiny and invisible to almost non-existent. It’s certain that those not speaking
Danish can’t fully understand every lyrical message of this album, but Fjorgynn
made sure that the music is so severe emotional, strong and devastating that
It itself is a language that we all understand without any mistake. At the
beginning we’ve mentioned the rare ones who will be able to enchant their
audience with their skills and music from the very depths of Norse soul, and
Fjorsvartnir is certainly one of them.