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October 12, 2008 |
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01. Far Åt Helvete
02. Jag Spår Fördärv
03. Farsotstider
04. Höst
05. Själavrak
06. Elddagjämning
07. Baldersbålet
08. Tiden Läker Intet
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Four years is waaayyy too long to have to wait for a new THYRFING release! Waaayyyy too long! But that's what it's been now since the Swedish horde's last masterwerk "Vannsinesvisor" perked up our collective ears back in 2002. The wait has been more than worth it though. As hard as it may be to believe, THYRFING (Thomas Väänänen/vox, Joakim Kristensson/drums, Patrik Lindgren/guitars, Henrik Svegsjö/guitars, Peter Löf/synthesizers, and Kimmy Sjölund/bass) have managed to trump even that magnificent effort with this, their latest swords-to-the-wind assault "Farsotstider" (roughly translated to "Plague Times", or "The Time Of Plagues"), an album which arguably serves as the shining black diadem in the crown of the band's achievements to date.
From the first view of the strikingly bleak, uber-nekro/troo/kvlt cover art to the acidic, grim and frostbitten opening riffs of "Far Åt Helvete" it becomes apparent that THYRFING have opted for a much blacker-hearted approach to both songwriting and sound this time around (not unlike MOONSORROW's approach to last year's phenomenal "Verisäkeet" album). This is not to say that the more epic/melodic, and Folkish influences of yore are now absent from the band’s creative palette - not at all! True hardcore, lo-fi-or-no-fi Black Metal die-hards beware! - but rather that they have taken something of a backseat to a grittier, decidedly more enraged, and musically "Blackened" vibe which serves the dark theme of the album (the arrival of the Black Plague to Scandinavia) very well indeed. If anything, "Farsotstider" marks the first release in THYRFING's career wherein the band have managed to successfully integrate and condense their many disparate sonic influences most fluidly and cohesively. This is an album which is consistent and solid as granite both in terms of songwriting and construct. Such admirable results are probably at least partly due to the decision to bring on producer Henrik Edenhed who up until now has been most noted for his work with numerous European Pop acts. Not a likely choice, but as it turns out a wise one, as Edenhed’s obvious from-the-outside-looking-in, fresh, green perspective on the Metal medium has resulted in an album that just seethes and roils with barely controlled rage and animosity. It is perhaps THYRFING's most raw, visceral, and complete work of sonic plundering thus far.
From the opening bludgeoning of "Far Åt Helvete" (Väänänen's distressed vocal chords just dripping with dark bile and intent!), and "Jag Spår Fördärv" through to the rousing, subtly melodic title track to personal faves such as the epic "Höst", "Elddagjämning", and the more Folk-influenced "Baldersbålet", "Farsotstider" showcases THYRFING at the top of their game. Considering that they are one of the oldest and longest-running "Folk/Viking" Metal acts currently donning helm and hauberk for battle, it's a mystery (to me at any rate) how THYRFING have always somehow been relegated to such relatively low-key, understated, underdog status when held up next to many of their newer contemporaries such as say, ENSIFERUM, MOONSORROW, FINNTROLL, etc!?! Probably due to timing and media exposure (or lack thereof). Whatever.
Given the recent surge in interest this genre and the amazing collective of talent it comprises has been receiving of late, the arrival of an album as impressive as "Farsotstider" ultimately couldn’t have come at a better time. This is easily THYRFING's shining, albeit most black-hearted and grey-cloud-laden moment. Take heed, for dark treasure awaits within!
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