Schone krachten der natuur

Formed in 2003, Marnamai is a newcomer in the Dutch black metal scene. Personally, I don't really have much with the 'original' Satanic meaning of black metal, but the aspect of nature appeals to me. And that's the case with this album.
'Schone krachten der natuur' (Dutch for 'pure/fine powers of nature') lyrically tells the story about the love for nature of Kobold, the one man behind this project. Musically it makes me think about the atmosphere of some later black metal Burzum tracks (just like the vocals reek to Vikernes too, at some times) and old Lugubrum from neighbourland Belgium. But at other times I think I hear the progressive side of the new Enslaved (especially the use of the synthesizer). I think this album has a good combination between fast drumming and guitar pieces and a lot slower, melancholic riffs with clean vocals.
For the drums a drum computer is used, which doesn't really bother to be honest. Some pieces where the drums go really fast you might think a machine gun is firing you, but I give this album the advantage of being a debut album. Overal a lot can be done better, especially in the drums (maybe a real drummer?). Also the vocals get a little bit annoying over the whole album. A big plus for the diversity between fast black metal songs, some atmospheric tracks and even tracks with only synthesizer. This last instrument has been used quite a lot on this album, maybe a little too much. But listening to the title track 'Schone krachten der natuur', the opening track 'Onwetendheid' and 'Het tij keert' I believe Holland has an acquisition for it's black metal scene!