True Norwegian black metal is a term that brings a lot of feelings, images, and ideas, a force in a sub-genre that already was shrouded with plenty of darkness before the progenitors of this sound came along. While black metal has shifted and evolved as time has gone on, there’s still a hunger for the raw, deadly stuff, something we don’t get enough of in this era.
Luckily, a band that takes on that Nordic mantle and celebrates it with passion and fire is Tsjuder, and they’re back with “Helvegr,” a bloody, maniacal album that reminds just what those formative years wrought and continue to provide. It’s been eight years since their last record “Antiliv,” and on this album, the band—vocalist/bassist Nag, guitarist/vocalist Draugluin, drummer Jon Rice—take up those old torches that burn again and as brightly as ever. Despite parting ways with long-time drummer Anti-Christian, the band forged ahead and made one of the rawest, harshest records on their resume, but one that also packs a ton of melody and infectious power. They’re also joined by guests Pål Emanuelsen (guitar) of Krypt and Seidemann (vocals) of 1349 to flesh out this nine-track collection that opens ugly new wounds.
“Iron Beast” erupts in full as it delivers crazed shrieks and a metallic menace that moves dangerously toward you. The rushing chaos speeds and torments, whipping through with force, the guitar work bringing melody and savagery in equal portions. “Prestehammeren” opens sounding like a jet engine soaring, and then speed and power ignite, destroying the senses and setting fires there is no chance of controlling. Riffs chug as some doomy shades slip in, darkened guitar work leading out into the shadows. “Surtr” runs seven minutes and soaks in humidity at first before the skies pour, and ferocity opens its jaws. The pace remains steady and punchy, manic energy spilling and making adrenaline run, slipping away on tornadic madness. “Gamle-Erik” is blinding, coming at you with violent intensity that feels threatening, the vocals shredding as the heat spikes. Total destruction mounts an assault as the maniacal energy spreads, tearing away and bringing your sanity with it.
“Chaos Fiend” splits open with shrieks scorching, and a mangling attack pushes into a wilting steam. The fury hangs in the air as growls rumble, then the playing numbs the senses before one more vicious front smashes and scrapes at bone. “Gods of Black Blood” dawns and suddenly brings a strangulating force, the shrieks curdling as the riffs gain enveloping strength. Shrieks curdle as the guitars spindle and challenge psyches, and howls echo and eat into your brain wiring. The title track runs 7:36 and takes its time opening, the fires started and slowly fanned, shrieks bubbling as the thrashy tones start to gain traction. The tempo gets gritty, and some goddamn tasty riffs unfurl, adding meat to ribcages and making things catchier and deadlier. Leads catch fire as the intensity explodes, Nag wailing, “Die! You are burning,” as things grow ominous in tone, everything fading into creaky fire. “Faenskap og Død” immediately comes unglued, the guitars speeding and splattering, scorching howls blackening flesh. Fast and ferocious power explodes and injects barbaric drama, the playing hurtling toward the earth’s crust and smashing into hell. Closer “Hvit Død” is an eerie, instrumental piece built with chilling noises, guitars creating a fog, and electrifying impulses numbing your nerves from the pain.
After an eight-year layoff and roster shuffling, Tsjuder slip back into their black metal throne like they never left in the first place. “Helvegr” is a crushing trip back into black metal’s second-wave heart, a time when this style of music was feared and at its bloodiest, something this band never lost. This sub-genre has changed a lot over the decades, and there are all kinds of way to express this dark art, but Tsjuder remain true to their mission, delivering savagery that feels like it feeds right from the roots.
For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/tsjuderofficial
To buy the album, go here: https://shopusa.season-of-mist.com/band/tsjuder
Or here (International): https://shop.season-of-mist.com/
For more on the label, go here: https://www.season-of-mist.com/
Meat Mead Metal 