It is always pleasant to discover a big name in my ‘to review pile'. Heimgang is the latest full length album of the Norwegian black metal celebrity Kampfar, with record label Napalm Records as legal guardian. Kampfar is famous for its black metal, riddled with pagan and folk metal sounds. The Scandinavian quartet takes its place among other metal aristocrats. These fellows know how to impress the fans. I discovered Kampfar a long time ago, but really got to know them since the previous album "Kvass" from 2006 (you can find a review of this disc on Corazine , together with an interview with front man Dolk).
Heimgang is soaked with that typically old school black metal feeling, sprouted from Norway. Kampfar breaths a very obstinate and resolute sound so that commercial hints are avoided. This unfolding of a strong minded Nordic black metal could restrict a big international reception. But it ensures a pretty unique sound. For example, who does not like song nine "Vettekult"? Impressive. The grunts are breathtaking, the atmosphere is grimy as hell. Pagan elements are present, but limited. The Kampfar Vikings know how to convince. The frightening horror intro "Vantro" dictates the setting. "Dødens Vee" appears as track three on the album and throws the weights into the scale. Powerful guitar play, monstrosity drumming work, legitimated howls: Terrific! But I don't want to give the whole show away.
Heimgang is grim and has a huge potency. It's entrenched with an obscure, yet intelligent spirit. This is a mature, world class black metal album!
Tracklist:
- Vantro
- Inferno
- Dødens Vee
- Skogens Dyp
- Antvort
- Vansinn
- Mareham
- Feigdarvarsel
- Vettekult
- Vandring
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AUTHOR: Hamirubi
Hamirubi is becoming a Corazine-senior. He has, besides his obsessive dedication to the French néo metal scene, a very healthy interest for low profile underground music to the most commercial songs. You can also find him reading Benelux literature, riding his bike, drawing/collecting comic books and writing local history in his spare time.