Рдяндалир

Before getting into the review I'd like to mention first that if you're looking to get into Branikald, or second wave black metal in general, this album is a solid starting point. Every time I throw this album on I end up listening to it at least two or three more times. It's an absolute masterpiece of the early days of raw, atmospheric black metal. I truly long for the days where black metal possessed the spirit and passion this release had. Kaldrad was a musical genius, between Branikald, Forest, and all his other projects, there was hardly ever a dull moment. There are very few projects out there where I genuinely admire their entire discography.

There are folks out there who are easily bored by the same riff being on loop throughout the duration of a song, which is understandable, but I sincerely enjoy it if the riff is catchy and memorable. This four track release uses that exact formula, and nails it every time. One of the ways I can describe this sound is the Burzum formula, lowfi, raw, and continuous riffs, but with a touch more melancholy and atmospheric elements. Personal I consider this to be more atmospheric black metal than traditional Norway sounding black metal, but this was still in the twilight era of the second wave where sub genres of black metal hadn't quite been hashed out yet. The similarities to Burzum aren't so apparent that it sounds like a rip off, but the parallels are there. Between being derivative and original, this is definitely more original. The sound is sadder, more forlorn in a sense. The drums are an afterthought, which is a common occurrence across the rest of Branikald's discography, as well as Forest's. It's the same mid tempo rolling blast beats over and over again, but you hardly notice because of the trance the guitars and vocals put you in. Speaking of vocals, Kaldrad's voice is like none other. It's this sort of roaring from a mountain top sort of sound that echoes away after each verse. It possesses the harsh screech that is signature to black metal, but is also mixed with a fine dose of guttural, making you imagine days of old in a historical context, like ragtag warriors rushing out onto the field of battle.

Between the rawness, there is a well balanced mix of melody thrown in there with it. The color gray comes to mind when listening to this release, white and black, melodic and raw. I'm taken with an overwhelming sense of sentimentalism when I discuss this album amongst my peers, it's just this feeling that awakens inside me whenever I hear it. A more imaginative way I can describe this album is that of a eulogy, a sending off of some noble presence. It's not like a forever goodbye, but more like a "I'll see you again" kind of goodbye. It's sad but uplifting, as if the day has been won. It's hopeful in a sense, and you should listen to it. This truly is one of my favorite black metal albums of all time.