Oh boy, are you guys ready for some serious kvlt news? 🤘 I just found out that Taake, the infamous Norwegian black metal band, has released their ninth full-length album, “En Skog av Nidstang”! I mean, I’m not sure what’s more impressive, the fact that they’ve been making music for 33 years or that Hoest, the mastermind behind the band, still hasn’t run out of corpse paint. 😂 Anyway, let’s dive into this new album and see if it’s worth all the hype.
So, “En Skog av Nidstang” is divided into four chapters, just like their previous album “Et hav av avstand” from 2023. Because, you know, who needs traditional song structures when you can just divide your album into chapters? 📚 It’s like Hoest is trying to tell us a story, but instead of words, he’s using blast beats and tremolo picking. And honestly, I’m here for it. The album starts off strong with “Einstoeingen og eg”, which is just a masterclass in balancing dramatic energy with sincerity. I mean, it’s not like they’re trying to be kvlt or anything (oh wait, they totally are).
The Good, the Bad, and the Black Metal
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Is this album just a rehashing of old black metal tropes or does it actually bring something new to the table?” Well, let me tell you, Taake is still carrying the torch of classic black metal, but they’re also pushing forward with some subtle prog-tinged riffs and movements. It’s like they’re trying to appeal to the old-school fans while also making the MetalSucks crowd happy. And you know what? It works. The opening minutes of “Engler” are a perfect example of this, with its nuanced riffs and whatnot. It’s like Hoest is trying to say, “Hey, I’m still a black metal musician, but I also have feelings and emotions, okay?”
But, let’s be real, the album isn’t perfect. The repetition of riffs and movements on the final song “Av guds ville naade” (which, by the way, is not actually the final song, but I won’t get into that) can get a bit excessive. It’s like they’re trying to hypnotize us with their music or something. And the lengthy segments and songs can feel a bit overplayed and overreaching. I mean, I’m not sure if I’m just getting old or what, but sometimes I feel like Hoest could have just made an EP and called it a day. Or, you know, fleshed out some other ideas into additional songs. But hey, who am I to complain?
The Verdict: Still Kvlt After All These Years
In conclusion, “En Skog av Nidstang” is a solid addition to Taake’s discography. It’s not perfect, but it’s a delicious creative accomplishment (yes, I stole that from the original article, don’t @ me). If you’re a fan of black metal, you’ll probably love this album. And if you’re not, well, you might still enjoy it. I mean, who doesn’t love a good dose of corpse paint and blast beats every now and then? 🤘 So, go ahead and give it a listen, but don’t say I didn’t warn you: it’s a bit of a commitment. But hey, if you’re willing to put in the work, you might just find yourself headbanging along to the likes of “Et dyr tok min hud” and “Engler”. Just don’t forget to wear your earplugs, kids. 🤟
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
