Reviews; Urtiden & Ild
Hinsides do not only write based on self-chosen contexts. Submitted material is also highlighted and this week we have the honor to review two exciting projects that both deserve attention on their own terms. Projects that share common ground in that they´re made by two real zealots.
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Hinsides Magazine
Dec 2021
Urtiden
”Iron Age Nomad Axe”
So, Hinsides got a new tape from Mr Mikael Holm. Previously known to our readers as being part of the proto Black-Metal project Aggressive Mutilator and responsible for the one man retro Punk-Rock act Blixtnedslag. Both reviewed in the second issue of H.M. This time he offers something a little bit different though, as the tape ”Iron Age Nomad Axe” by his new creation Urtiden is said to draw inspiration from early Swedish Heavy-Metal bands such as Jonah Quizz, Crystal Pride and so on. Information that together with the ”proffessional amatureish” lay-out of the cassette in question builds expectations that partly is met by the three songs on this recording.
The tape starts off with a really nice ambient intro before the first song ”Till attack att rasera tron” begins with a steady beat and quite a generic riff in a mid-tempo pace. It´s a good but not that engaging or interesting song that music wise has more in common with Punk-Rock than Heavy-Metal. It lacks the ”over the top” energy and ferocity that defines a full range metal piece. On the positive side of things you get a cool and ”doomier" vibe captured in the next song ”Die by the Slayer” that fits a low tempo better. Parts of the closing track ”Ringen i berget” is also both well written and intriguing enough. Especially the melodic guitar work stands out a bit on this song. All in all, Urtiden presents a cool concept that doesn’t lack neither creative ideas or inspiration and with a proper singer and a more selective mindset involved, the axe would slay with better precision and make Urtiden more than a charming one man show. Hinsides still prefers this kind of raw creativity over any overproduced and slimmed product and dares you to taste what Urtiden is like if you want something different.
Ild
”Fandens lykteskjaer”
Another solo project that has reached the mailbox of Hinsides is the Oslo based Ild. A fiery Black-Metal entity that prior to this debut full-length album has materialized itself into a four song Ep called ”Knippe”. ”Fandens lykteskjaer” consists of no less than eight new compositions together with a instrumental opening track that sets the mind of the listener in the right mood just before ”Bekken lukter jern” takes off. A somewhat rowdy song that struggles to move forward in a mid-tempo pace and has it´s highlights hidden in the ending parts. The next track is faster in tempo and builds around one single melody. Something that connects it to a lot of other contemporary Black-Metal songs that often comes out as being more tiresome than effective. This piece still manage to maintain enough interest though which goes for the rest of the material as well. The album as a whole is both well written and performed which, together with a proper studio recording, makes it stand above the average ”one-man” product. Music wise, Ild bears the torch of traditional Scandinavian Black-Metal high, but as you can spot already on the cover of ”Fandens lykteskjaer” there are some unusual angles to this concept added here as well. Especially the lyrical and visual parts offers something different. It´s those ingredients that adds fresh flavors to this cuisine and it´s obvious that a lot of effort has been made to make all aspects of the fire count. A congenial ambition that looks promising to the future of Ild. Another thing that you do not find that often in such a bleak context as this, is a cover of a traditional lullaby. Contrary to what one might think, the closing song ”Vuggevise”, written by Jens Gunderssen back in 1949, proves to be something that actually works pretty well in the hands of Mr Horgmo. Together with ”Fanden tok mine beste år” and ”Syvstakemyra”, this interpretation represents the highlights of ”Fandens lykteskjaer”. An impressive work coming from one single source. The only thing to wish for until next time is a more diverse vocal performance. If you like your metal black and with a twist, this one is for you!
You´ve just read two reviews that most probably will end up in the next issue of Hinsides Magazine. Go here for more reviews and articles about equally exciting stuff!