Kev Rowland
For those who haven’t come across Svartsyn before it may come as a surprise to discover that they were formed as long ago as 1991 by Ornias who provides everything except drums. Originally called Chalice, the name was changed to Svartsyn in 1994 and although he has been through a few drummers since then Ornias has stayed active, and this is the third album in as many years. But, the work rate hasn’t diminished the sound and yet again he has produced a black metal album that contains enough chills and emotion to satisfy any metalhead. It is bleak, it is cold, and there are enough shifts in pace and tone to keep the interest levels high. His vocals are spot on for the style, with a rasping harshness that adds an additional element of threat.
The guitarwork is particularly tight, and although there are times when it becomes a wall of sound the note density never diminishes. There is more than a nod to Immortal on this album and if you enjoy your metal as black as Hades then this is for you. www.agoniarecords.com