Here we have the debut album from Liljevars Brann, a black metal outfit formed by drummer Kristjan and singer/guitarist Sjelvindur, who also play together in Autumnblaze and Paragon of Beauty. Although it was recorded in eight weeks in 2021 it took until September 2024 for it to be released, so I guess it is quite possible there will be another one in the near future if they have been in the studio working over the last four years. This nature-inspired, mystical black metal project takes inspiration from the likes of Ulver and The 3rd and the Mortal while they also claim that Landberk have had a major influence, but I must confess to say I don’t hear any of the last in their music, possibly it is more in the approach.

Black Metal is one of those sub genres which one feels could be split so many times into further genres, possibly infinite, as it does cover a mass of different styles yet there is something about it which lets the listener know where it belongs, even if musically it can be very different indeed. There are times here where we clearly have major folk influences, with acoustic guitars and gentle drums being the order of the day, which no-one in their right mind would ever consider metal, yet there are plenty of other places where this is cast aside. The beginning of “Dansa Mej Brodar I Fyre” feels almost as if it is a madrigal, with gentle multi-tracked vocals (but wait, is there a gruffness I hear in the background?), but the electric guitars come in and although they commence in a gentle fashion one understands a change is afoot and the vocals turn to someone in pain, spilling their emotions, and possibly their blood.

It is a shame this album has sat unreleased for so long as it deserves more than that, and I certainly look forward to hearing more.

Rating: 6/10

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/liljevarsbrannofficial/
https://www.argonautarecords.com/