of Norway Mork he has, for some reason, generally flown under the radar of many fans of the Norwegian black metal scene. This largely one-man project was directed Thomas Eriksennever got the respect it deserved. Mork has put out a string of solid releases going back to 2013 when it was released Isebakke.
This first record was arguably pretty standard in the realm of lo-fi black metal. Lots of 90’s second wave sounds but slow at times. However, since that initial release, Mork has grown significantly in volume. Blackthe latest record is the band’s most diverse and evolved record to date, showing just how far they’ve come Eriksen came in both songs and performance.
No longer adopting the lo-fi production standards of yesteryear, Black is a record that really covers a wide range of sounds designed to be heard a little more clearly. The record’s opening track, “I Takens Virvel,” is slightly atmospheric and part black and roll. It’s upbeat and aggressive, but also nuanced. Bright yet light tremolo picking accentuates the resistance of high-speed metal. In this sense, Mork continues its quest to become more than a 90s cult hit. It works.
“Holmgang” introduces some strings to add different accents to the soundscape. It goes together so well Eriksen’s sultry vocal track that evokes both the beautiful and the ugly at the same time. Unmistakably Norwegian, folk-inspired fiddles will transport you to coastal Östfold county with its cobblestone streets and 17 ave.th century Scandinavian charm. “Hexebal” is a song with a similar sound, a little faster.
“Til Syvende Og Sist” is instrumental with lots of influence, yes more strings and classical melodies. I don’t want to call it symphonic, but there are symphonic elements here that I wasn’t particularly expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Another surprise is the closing track, “Omme,” which is just guitar, strings, and clean vocals. This track reminds me just a little bit of Sweden It shines in that it is overly melancholic and contemplative. I hope to hear more of this type of work Mork. It works well.
“Utbrent” is probably the most traditional black metal sounding track on the record. This particular song, with its vocal tones, reminds me a bit of the Norwegian act, Take it. The song, like everyone else Mork compositions, is entirely in Norwegian, making it difficult for some to appreciate, but with a little help from Google translate and lyric videos, fans can figure out the content. “Utbrent” is a song about trying to hold on when you’re burned out and living has become punishing and burdensome.
Overall, this is one of the outstanding black metal records of 2024. The songwriting here, as well as the composition, is head and shoulders above any black metal I’ve heard in the past eight months. Unfortunately, as black metal continues to be commoditized and distributed, the genre now suffers from an abundance of outright crap. Mork‘s newest release both bucks this unfortunate trend and impresses with remarkable musical maturity and growth.