There are those bands that are content to stick to a formula and follow that basic pattern, with some wrinkles here and there, through their entire run. There’s some logic in that, and there is nothing wrong with remaining true to one’s sound with little deviation. Other artists don’t rest as easily and continually find means of reinvention or simply changing the game.
Trelldom is a well-known, well-regarded name in the annals of black metal, having formed in 1992 and released a trilogy of fiery records from 1995 through 2007. Led by the legendary vocalist Kristian Eivind Espedal—Gaahl if you’re nasty—who has fronted other renowned acts including Gorgoroth, Gaahls Wyrd, and Wardruna, the band returns 17 years after their last record with “…By the Shadows…” a creation that certainly paints outside the rigid sub-genre lines. This band isn’t content to keep making the same thing, and we’ll all luckier for it. Joined by guitarist/bassist/electronic specialist Stian Kårstad, drummer Kenneth Kapstad, and sax/clarinet player Kjetil Møster, Espedal and the band reimagine Trelldom’s form, injecting expansive melodies, thoughtful instrumentation, and yes, alluring darkness to the center of this record that stands as one of their most exciting creations to date.
“The Voice of What Whispers” opens with the bass squeezing, tension building and churning, woodwinds adding a chilling breeze. Espedal’s vocals turn to a creak singing, adding a sinister element, the haunting swirling before guitars rip and spellbind. The playing jars as the sax sizzles, zipping into the darkness. “Exit Existence” has guitars jolting and the vocals daring, a propulsive melody ripping veins as the singing aches and bellows. The storm picks up, diving into immersive waters, the sax wailing as the melodies wax and wane. “Return the Distance” is stirring, violence slicing through calm, the sax sprawling, the atmosphere numbing. The heat in the air blisters as the horns bellow, this instrumental piece bowing to the deep. “Between the World” has guitars bending as the sounds smear and disorient, growled whispers leaving scars. The temperatures drop, making your body shiver relentlessly, the chorus gliding as the title is called back with detached horror, howls repeating as they head into mist and echo.
“I Drink out of My Head” is active and fluid, sax cutting through muscle, the singing gliding along with the waves. The power chugs as sounds gust, the sax turning tornadic, and deep, tunneling singing making its impact. Storms rise as the melodies windmill, tightening the pressure with a metallic tourniquet, noise jangling off into a steely atmosphere. “Hiding Invisible” is ominous, a noxious cloud hanging in the air, humidity thickening as warbled sounds make flesh crawl. Cold, gravelly singing grinds flesh, steam rising as the sax rises above the din, sounds shrieking and drubbing, everything ending in mechanical fuzz. Closer “By the Shadows” has charred guitars and a spastic pace, the singing turning dark and moody, then playing bursting open live lava through the earth’s crust. Soft sax wafts as Espedal’s jaws practically come unhinged, dramatic wails compounding the drama, strange spirits and rolling drums bleeding into space.
Trelldom’s first record in 17 years not only is an unexpected and devious treat, but it’s also a much different world from them than what they established on their initial run. Everything on “…By the Shadows…” bleeds darkness and mystery, and the expanded sounds, the inclusion of saxophone, actually makes the music more unsettling, like a dark figure in the night whose intentions are unknown. This is a record that will feel alien to some, disturbing in different ways depending on the audience, and an enthralling piece of music that will continue giving into this year’s darkest months and beyond.
For more on the band, go here: https://www.facebook.com/Trelldom1992
To buy the album, go here: http://lnk.spkr.media/trelldom-shadows
For more on the label, go here: https://en.prophecy.de/
Meat Mead Metal 