Album Reviews

Kvelertak
Kvelertak – Kvelertak
8.5
 on
Sunday, August 1, 2010 - 00:00
submitted by
Thomas

With artwork by Baroness’ John Baizley, a production job by Converge’s Kurt Ballou and guest contributions from JR Ewing’s Andreas Tylden and Silver’s Ivar Nikolaisen, the guys in Kvelertak made sure they had a couple of things going for them to get people’s attention focused on their debut album. They were sure their songs would keep them interested. And they were right on the money.

With a blistering mix of (black) metal, hardcore, punk and a ton of groove they grab you by the throat with opener “Ulvetid” and don’t let go until the last notes of “Utrydd Dei Svake” ring out. If you think that those song titles are a bit weird, then you’re right. These dudes get to call Norway home and like to sing in their native tongue. Sure, it makes singing along at their shows nearly impossible, but it was doubtful in the first place that you would be heard over their triple guitar attack, the occasional blastbeat and the maniacal shouting that’s reminiscent of At The Gates’ Tomas Lindberg. Kudos to Kvelertak on kicking my ass all over the place with their self-titled album.

Tom Dumarey
Tom Dumarey

Lacking the talent to actually play in a band, Tom decided he would write about bands instead. Turns out his writing skills are mediocre at best as well.