Black for Death: An Icelandic Odyssey Part II

I have no doubt that the first part of “An Icelandic Odyssey” has turned out to be a very bitter experience for me, Solefald is a band (or rather duo) that I have idolized for quite a long time many years ago when I discovered them. But after what happened to me with the “red part” of this odyssey I was very disappointed, however, my expectations took a turn when I heard the second part called Black for Death: An Icelandic Odyssey Part II and when I finished I said to myself: this is a big change.

The direction that was practically non-existent on the previous album is present here. Each song is connected and manages to generate that image of an epic journey where you can hear the bearded man from the group telling stories of battles and historical figures. The production is also similar to the previous album, but it is even more polished. Everything sounds clearer, even the guitars that still have that scratchy distortion. “Red for Fire + Black for Death” is an introduction that is quite in keeping with the album, as in the previous one, it starts off softly and grows over time until it explodes and becomes something more brutal, but at the same time epic. Even Cornelius sounds better on this album than on the previous one, his scratchy voice gives a rather wild and at times creepy touch to the music.

There are also short instrumental pieces here like “Underworld” which, unlike the other song “Bragi” from the other album, has more variety of sounds, more meaning on the album, it doesn’t bore you and it gives you that pause so you can prepare your imagination for the next songs. “Loki Trickster God” is a particular case, since its melody is far from the common denominator of this album, because it sounds “more oriental” and has a rather soft rhythm compared to the other songs, plus Garm from Ulver participates and his voice really gives a very distinctive touch to the song. Another thing that caught my attention on this album were the tracks “Lokasenna” that sound much more orchestrated, entertaining and fascinating, unlike the first part found on the previous album which is nothing more than a voice accompanied by rain noises and a canoe marching on the river.

Overall, this album not only manages to cover up all the flaws of the previous album, it also manages to surpass them by far and stand out as one of Solefald's most solid albums, because it is an album that invites the imagination and that really captivates you with its musical arrangements. If the "red part" left you very dissatisfied, your hope is immediately restored with the "black part" of this odyssey.