Kvelertak - Kvelertak
Rating
RIYL
MastodonBaroness
Comadre
Release Date
03/15/2011
Label
Indie RecordsTracklist
1. "Ulvetid"2. "Mjød"
3. "Fossegrim"
4. "Blodtørst"
5. "Offernatt"
6. "Sjøhyenar (Havets Herrer)"
7. "Sultans of Satan"
8. "Nekroskop"
9. "Liktorn"
10. "Ordsmedar Av Rang"
11. "Utrydd Dei Svake"
12. "Fossegrim" (live)
13. "Sjøhyenar (Havets Herrer)" (live)
14. "Blodtørst" (live)
15. "Mjød" (live)
16. "Ordsmedar av Rang" (2009 demo)
17. "Utrydd Dei Svake" (2008 demo)
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Kvelertak. What does it mean? It means kick-ass, tongue-in-cheek, rock n’ roll bliss in the form of a mix of black metal and classic rock. These Norwegian newcomers sing in their native language so I have no idea what they are saying but it doesn’t even matter as their unique brand of “punk-rock” is incredibly tight and very impressive. The record was produced by Kurt Ballou of Converge fame and you can immediately tell that Kurt has added his stamp to this album. There's an almost live sound to it, yet each snare hit and guitar riff is pristinely presented. This record was released a while ago overseas, but only recently are we getting to hear it state-side via The End Records. The US edition comes with live recordings and some demos, which really brings together this sort of rambunctious rock that Kvelertak play.
Kvelertak’s self-titled album is a fun and entertaining record first and foremost. It doesn’t require the listener to invest much effort or thought in order to get into it, but this in no way means it is thin and without depth. The band just presents itself very straightforwardly, and from the first note of the record you know what you are going to get. What you'll hear is akin to old Mastodon or Baroness (interesting side note: the artwork was handled by the same artist who did the album artwork for Baroness’ albums--John Baizley). An important part of Kvelertak is their lead singer Erlend Hielvik as he really ties the album together. Singing in relatively higher range than most hardcore music, his vocal performance is excellent.
Every song on this album is full of incredibly memorable riffs that shift in style from song to song and never get boring. From the tremolo picked riffs of "Ulvetid" to the huge power chords on "Fossegrim" the black metal tinge is made apparent. On the track "Sultans of Satan" there is even some Black Sabbath type moments strewn in, creating a very groove laden sound. Guitar solos are also scattered throughout the various songs, but these guys know when to grab the throttle lever and pull it back to a slower pace. Their homage to classic rock is definitely a theme throughout the record.
Kvelertak’s debut album is an incredible experience. For those that like heavier music and are looking for something interesting and fresh, check out Kvelertak.
--Corey Mack
Comments
Lehigh Valley, PA
love this album and band
Reno, NV
Summed up well in you review. My most played album as of last fall when I started listening to it. Love it! -0.5 stars for being sung in Norwegian. Have you seen the video for Mjod? Gnarly!
Current Listenings:
Psychollywood - Psychollywood
Royal Thunder - Cvi
The Next Hundred Years - Troppo
Kyng - Trampled Sun
Kill Devil Hill - Kill Devil Hill
San Diego, CA
Tasty
Too old to bother, too young to give a shit.
London, UK
I think the main point about this album is that its a huge amount of fun to listen to. The band sound like they're having a blast. I get the impression they'd be awesome live.
Currently listening to:
Ne Obliviscaris - Portal of I
Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster - Exegesis
Suspyre - Suspyre
Hot Water Music - Exister
7 Horns 7 Eyes - Throes Of Absolution
San Diego
"I never took the game home with me. I always left it in some bar."
- Bob Lemon
Buffalo, NY
So, I just checked this out. I'm diggin' in. That said, it doesn't sound like Baroness, Comadre or Mastodon at all. If anything, it sounds like Doomriders mixed with Cancer Bats, with a touch of black metal riffage thrown in there for fun. Not only that, even though Ballou produced the record, which sounds great, it is ridiculously clean sounding. It's very close to the way the The Ocean records sound, production wise. Massively big, but clean. I like my rock to have a little grit. This is lacking just that.