Norwegian black metal band Svart Lotus, deliver their second grand opus of noise and anger. From what began as a side project to 1349’s Seidemann, Som et vondt år is the evolution and important existence of a musical entity that carries its own unique identity.
From the spoken word denouement over a true melancholic riff that heralds ‘’Svart Lotus’’ Som et vondt år is a distinct and conjured entity. The presence that infuses ‘’Lurking Fear’’ and its slower sections is no less powerful than the supernaturally infused ‘’Cryptic Lights”” and its intense solo work provided by guest Jarrett “Nekronatalenheten” Pritchard before it delves into an Avant Garde sonic maelstrom of emotion and aggression. It an engrossing listen, that on the first attempt might seem too much, but repeated concentrations find the subtle ambiguous bass parts and the chilling intensity that marks Highlight ‘’ Hat og forakt’. Its chilling acoustic passages and large clean vocals are an accompaniment to the chaos and hellish vocalised screams as the track transitions seamlessly through its journey into different realms of utter heaviness and sentiment with a lurching midsection that is as alluring as it is unforgiving.
This is also true unapologetic black metal, that carries the frenzy and cold aggression that is true to the genre. Svart Lotus carries an inherent violence in their music that is unapologetic and is a constant companion to the melancholy within. Som et vondt år is demanding and rightly so, creating listenable yet uncompromising music that commands your complete attention. Raw, powerful, and primal in its honesty Som et vondt år is an essential experience.
Svart Lotus: Facebook
Release Year: 2024
Label: Hellstain Productions
Category: Album
Country: Norway
Reviewed by Sparky
