Sacrifice to Valaskjàlf

A shitty cover has never been an exclusion criteria as long as it has a certain artistic value. While the so-called artworks of bands like Cannibal Corpse appeal to the most primitive instincts, the here presented drawing is just bad without revealing an excessive affinity for dull violence. With that said, the music of Krigere Wolf moves to the foreground.

The Italian duo, which is supported by two session musicians, is familiar with some Norwegian bands that propagate the splendour of black and / or thrash metal. Its music evokes associations with Aura Noir and especially Carpathian Forest. An iota of bands like Gehenna or Gorgoroth is added as well. The mix alone gives rise to the statement that Krigere Wolf do not play the role of mere copyists. They just have been inspired by these bands and this is not objectionable. Most of us have not grown up in a musical vacuum. (Sabaton fans are the only exception. Otherwise they would worship any other band.)

The band strives for interesting and diversified song patterns and it is comparatively successful. But, as always, there are two sides of the coin. At the same time, the guys have forgotten to add this pinch of catchiness which helps the listener to get quickly familiar with the songs. Although mainstream music is mostly poor, its stylistic devices are not crappy per se. Yet the band members seem to disagree. Sometimes they want to be a kind of Italian answer to Emperor, to add another band whose works have influenced our friends from Sicilia. "Impaled Slaves", for example, possesses a progressive touch, fortunately only up to a certain point. But in terms of slightly progressive black metal, it is one of the most difficult challenges to be on an equal footing with the extravagant yet naturally flowing tracks of Emperor. Krigere Wolf solve this task in a very satisfying manner, but Emperor remain a class of their own.

However, the spheric intro is too long, the outro increases the number of useless sound collages and the soft interlude "The End Has a Beginning" reminds me of my aversion against philosophical fuss. Only six "regular" tracks remain. But they are packed with competent riffs that lead you into the surroundings of darkness and fear. "Towards the Black Mass" shines with competent guitar work and the effervescent "Disciples of Sacred Fire" spits in the sad face of mediocrity. It reflects the passion of the band in a sustainable way and I guess a lot of musicians, especially those who have signed a contract with Nuclear Blast, would be happy if they could generate a comparable degree of dedication.

The sound of "Sacrifice to Valaskjàlf" implies that the band hired a good engineer, because it does not lack of depth. Indeed, ex-Marduk Devo Andersson has mastered the album. He did definitely a good job. In particular the most intensive parts of this work allow you to dive deeply into this album. The title track or the very generic beginning of "Blood to the Wolves" leave no doubt that Krigere Wolf have an obvious affinity for rapid drums and minimalist guitar lines. Too bad that the latter offers an instrumental part, beginning at 2:20, which does not really merge with the furious start of the track. The almost weightless guitar solo that sets in after 4:07 underlines the incompatibility of the different sections. Do not get me wrong, the song is absolutely worth a listen. It just shows that the dudes from Italy still have room for improvement. That's a good thing. Otherwise it would be boring.