Ofte jeg drømmer mig død

Afsky js a Danish black metal act that I discovered recently, whilst on my eternal quest to find excellent music. In what seems like a tidal wave of "solo"/1-person extreme metal bands, Afsky comfortably elevates above the majority of the pack by writing music that tips it's hat to the classics within the genre, but also presents a fresh voice. It does this by intertwining fresh ideas structurally, in addition to an extremely palatable production and overall sound. It's common for one-person projects to often lack finesse when it comes to the mix - and often overall sound - but this has real care taken, with smooth sonic edges and carefully harnessed power when the extreme moments are in full flight. From the unique but powerful choice of album art, to the journey this album takes you on, this is a rare beast.

The album begins with a sublime acoustic passage, that almost harks back to early Metallica intros - and then a perfect transition takes you into a killer intense blasting section, full of melodic chords and lively tremolo riffing. The first song prepares you perfectly for the whole album, with music that is intense but attractive, and isn't scared to wear it's heart on it's sleeve. Across the entire 45 minute journey, it packs a myriad of influences neatly and carefully into it, including further delicious acoustic passages, that summon a yearning for a place and time I'm not from - but wish I was. The style itself is a very organic version of black metal, reminiscent of early Ulver at times, and even reminds me a bit of latter Taake, neither of which is a bad thing. There are moments of real, raw intensity, but because the overall sound and vibe is so warm, this blends in such a unique way it gives it a different feel to so many recent releases. The best way to describe this album, is "emotive" ; It ebbs and flows, and pulls you along for a glorious ride. It is so alive, so very alive, with a sombre mood pervading itself and by default, the listener.

The emotive element reminds me almost of a movie soundtrack, in metal form - something for a dark fantasy film for example. There are some excellent "headbanger" riffs and sections, with double kicks pummeling along, then they will dip into a slow careful passage, and just as you come to terms with that - in come the blasts. All extreme metal writing tricks are engaged and executed with superior skill on this release, the only thing that it could do with is a little more variation in the vocals, but it's not important as I believe that would detract from the riffs, which are really the standout element of the whole composition.

There is a beautiful darkness put forth in sonic fashion in Afsky's "Ofte jeg drømmer mig død", it's a complete album that doesn't rely on a couple of standout tracks, which is a testament to it's overall quality. The acoustic sections that are so tastefully interspersed are a gigantic positive, as it separates the album into movements, almost. There's a classical influence in the overall structure of this piece of work, despite there being repeated moments, this works as one piece, as opposed to an album of songs cobbled together. The classical and what I would describe as "folk" elements in the acoustic sections make it feel less one dimensional, and more lithe and writhing - a creature than even the most skilled hunter would struggle to get hold of. 2020 is producing some momumental releases, and this is one of them, and a band I will be keeping a firm eye on in the future.