2011 saw the release of the fifth album by Norwegian black metal artist Taake, and now in 2025 Dark Essence are celebrating that by presenting a remixed and remastered version. It is also possible to get a collector’s edition which provides a 20-page deluxe digibook, complete with lyrics and rare, previously unpublished photos from the album’s recording sessions, plus the first official Taake DVD which captures their anniversary concert where ‘Noregs Vaapen’ was performed in full.
Over the years I must confess that black metal has become one of my favourite sub genres, and I will always cherish having had the opportunity to see Mayhem in the flesh, but if ever there was a sub genre which has then broken into a myriad of sub sub genres, then it is this as it can go from ambient and almost ethereal to extreme and deathlike, and here we find someone pushing it in other directions as well. Somewhat strangely this is often credited as being a solo album by Hoest and that he provides all vocals, instruments and songs, but it actually includes a host of other musicians including his then live-lineup — Thurzur, V’gandr, Aindiachai, and Gjermund — alongside a rare gathering of prominent guests: Nocturno Culto (Darkthrone), Attila Csihar (Mayhem), Demonaz (Immortal), Bjørnar Nilsen (Vulture Industries), and Skagg (Gaahlskagg, Deathcult).
What makes this such an interesting album is that while he sticks to more aggressive black metal themes he is also not afraid to switch it up, so much so that “Du ville ville Vestland” runs the risk at times of moving more into power metal territory, and I am sure this is the first time I have ever come across a banjo being used on a black metal release. In many ways this is a very easy album to listen to as it hits a great many of the aggressive black metal themes and styles, yet Hoest does push buttons which are bound to upset some purists and get others totally onboard. He has always looked for controversy, once appearing onstage in Germany with a swastika painted on his chest to get a reaction (he certainly did, with shows being cancelled), while he has also served prison sentences for assault, so he wants to live his life very much on his own terms so if that means moving his music into doom, constantly challenging the norms, then that is what he is going to do.
Somewhat surprisingly this is the first time I have come across Taake, but more than 30 years on from their inception they are still releasing albums and gigging with Hoest very much still in control. If, like me, you somehow missed out on this release the first time around then it is definitely worth seeking out if you enjoy black metal.
Rating: 8/10
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/taakeofficial/
https://darkessencerecords.no/