Folkloric Necro Metal

Sort Vokter was a Norwegian black metal band formed by Ildjarn and Nidhogg alongside Tvigygre and Heiinghund. Like most other projects from Ildjarn, this one was very short-lived, only releasing one album titled "Folkloric Necro Metal" before splitting up sometime after. Despite its short legacy, this album has grown a cult following over the years for its unique style of the minimalistic formula that Ildjarn is famous (or infamous, depending on who you ask) for.

To see what I mean, we need to look at the instrumentals first. The first track "Kveldstimer" begins with a two minute ambient piece that is simple and reminiscent of Ildjarn's "Landscapes", but is calming and atmospheric enough to be a pleasant opener. Eventually, the black metal portion comes blaring in, and it does borrow a lot from the Ildjarn formula. The guitars play a simple power chord that repeats throughout the track with little variation, alongside the drum machine playing a repetitive beat pattern and the deep bass playing a rather groovy riff. One noticeable is that a keyboard is also playing in the foreground, which contrasts the harsh black metal with some melodic synths. It's a strong opener, but things only get more intense as the album progresses. Tracks like 'Langs stier uten ende" and "Hatefulle tanker ut i natten" continue the harsh and rough black metal style with some intense riffs and bombastic drumming that evoke a more aggressive tone in the albums, while on the other hand, you got tracks like "Tårers sang" and especially that last track "Fjellstev" that play a simple, yet soothing ambient piece that serves as a nice break from the chaos. My personal favorite track on the entire album, however, would have to go to "Grålysning", as it's a perfect blend between the raw minimalistic black metal and calming ambient style, even towards the end with that smooth transition between the styles. This album might feel over the place in its direction, but the changes don't feel too jarring, and each style is executed well enough with good songwriting and instruments.

The vocals are also a highlight. With the exception of Tvigygre, all members in the band did vocals, and all of them provide some stellar vocals. While the vocals in the main Ildjarn project were known to be rough, the vocals on this album are more intense and grating in its style. A good example is in "Fra kilden til tjernet", which is one of the more punk-orientated songs off the album. The shrieks on this track sound horrible in a black metal sense, and work as a good contrast between the more upbeat riffs. And with more had-hitting tracks like "Bak to lysende øyne", the rough vocal style works to enhance the raw and rough style and production of the instrumentals. All three members provided some great vocals that sound brutal, but also enhancing towards the album.

Despite the album clocking in at just 37 minutes, it feels a lot longer when listening to it due to just how well it was executed. The overall instrumentals take on a more rougher, yet melodic approach to the Ildjarn formula that is done well, and the vocals also serve to be more intense. While the band may have only one album off their sleeve, it is one album that I still highly recommend you check out.