|
|
|
|
“Í Blóđi Og Anda” is the first full-length album by the most prominent Icelandic band along with Potentiam. It was released by the German guys Ars Metalli in 2002, but since they bankrupted, the rights to release this jewel fell on the hands of Russian label Oskorei that edited it in 2004. There´s a great (apparent) contradiction between the avantgarde abstract cover art, portraying a picture which could suggest we are going to hear something like alternative rock, and the music itself –Sólstafir performs fiery songs firmly rooted in black metal. Indeed the band flees established patterns associated to that style of music and tries to surprise the listener without including the traditional elements, therefore you won´t see make-up/spikes/viking/swords imagery here, because the band ignores those stances and there are no pictures in the booklet... The first song punches your face and leaves you stunned with that unrelenting rhythm and “order in chaos” melodic body. One can´t see the strong Burzum influences present in their previous mini-album; this time the sound of the band is more personal and mature (uh, this easy-to-use word in reviews... guess you got the point). Guitars are the “harmonic fuss” kind, weaving cold melodies between the lines, with those fast strumming and unbridled ressonance, thrashing the strings without any kind of remorse. The pounding beats by Mr. Pálmason are restless and unstoppable, the same as vocals, frenzied and berserk-like, this is the power of nature itself.
“Í Blóđi Og Anda” is about euphoria and wrath, an Icelandic vulcano erupting, blood and spirit in league with the human will to transcend, natural aggression and turmoil conducted by wise musicians. There is much more viking feeling here than in most of the so-called pagan metal bands of these times... Every song here is really beautiful, nevermind if you take a look at bonebreaker, 2 minutes long “Tormentor”, which flatters you with its overwhelming aggressive edge; or progressive “Ei Viđ Munum Iđrast”, owner of tempo changes and variety of moods. As long as the album penetrates into your ears and mind, you can see the different things Sólstafir is able to express through their music, so you can´t hear just fast songs, since the band also feels very comfortable doing raids into mellow sonic scenarios with clean voices or pianos. A highly recommended album.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Undir Jökli |
| 2. Í Blóđi Og Anda |
| 3. The Underworld Song |
| 4. Tormentor |
| 5. 2000 Ár |
| 6. Ei Viđ Munum Iđrast |
| 7. Bitch In Black |
| 8. Í Víking |
| 9. Árstiđir Dauđans |
: 56.51
| Buy other Sólstafir albums |
