A Song to Sorrow is not merely the second album from one-man black metal artist Vandarr, Cirkeln is a fully realized exploration of not only extreme music but also a cinematic and atmospheric interpretation. Taking the foundations of Black metal from native Sweden the music is transformed to epic heights whilst also being truly introspective.
Bold, daring, and blessed with that sort of riffs that would make any Bathory fan raise their glass to Valhalla this is not a tribute but a reflection of the first generation of true 80’s extreme music interpreted today. Some elements of Celtic Frost also appear, and this may be due to the fact that A Song To Sorrow is also a fantastic Metal record!
The riff to “Natassja” is majestic and memorable. The epic nature of the Album reaches its Zenith with the mighty ‘’Vandaren’’ which also incorporates nineties style black metal that is powerful, dynamic, and strong in melody.
There are moments of thrash and pure mid-tempo metal as the spirited “The March’’ declares.
There is much metal enjoyed along with the traditional instruments. The deeply personal journey of one man’s psyche and his path of illumination from terrors past is as honest as it is extreme, and the knowledge gained invaluably.
A Song to Sorrow is a complete work and leaves you wanting where the journey and the music of Cirkeln are headed next, a highly recommended experience for those who love first and second-wave black metal.
Cirkeln: Facebook
Release Year: 2022
Label: True Cult Records
Category: Album
Country: Sweden
Reviewed by Sparky
