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Gehenna -First Spell

Norwegian Black Metal. Lesser-known member of the Second Wave of Black Metal. While some later albums are not as popular, this first album remains a classic.

Ováte -Ováte

Available from Soulseller Records.

The debut album from new Norwegian black metal band Ováte, featuring Aindiachaí, live musician for Taake and Gorgoroth, on guitar and bass, and Brodd, live musician for Taake, on drums.

If you enjoy Norwegian Black Metal, this album is worth checking out. Raw and riff heavy, it displays the styles of the associated acts these men play for. I find the Taake sound particularly noticeable, and don't consider that a bad thing. You can definitely headbang to this one, as there is a good bit of melody to the blazing riffs.

The vocal work is good, very traditional for this kind of sound without being overly raw or melodic, and the drumming compliments the guitarwork quite well. There are even some hints at folkish influences, such as the epic choral touches to Morgenstjerne, which I find reminiscent of Havukruunu's stellar Kelle Surut Soi album from last year.

Overall, this is a solid release that hits the right spots, and while it perhaps brings nothing new to the table it is still a superbly executed piece of traditional Norwegian black metal.

Released June 1, 2018

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