Utopia Platafórmica

  Soerd “Hel” (Independent/Unsigned, 2021) & “Mil Laaned Vaikivad” (Lyndanise Coven, 2023) It all began in 2021, in Tallin, Estonia. 2 lads, Erik and Siim, started a Black Metal band named Soerd. Their sound was Raw and Visceral. Quite simple and straightforward Black Metal, with simple melodies. “Hel”, the Demo, came out in 2021 and it was composed of 2 tracks. No overelaborated melodies or structures, just Black Metal. Nothing innovative or technical, just plain old Black Metal. Love when the synthesizer/keyboard pops up and it changes the overall sound, making it much stronger and complete, of that makes sense. Fast forward 2 years, and “Mil Laaned Vaikivad” is released by Lyndanise Coven. Now, the sound has slightly changed, and for the better. I found out about the band through this EP and was quickly taken aback by their sound. “Die Felder von Dondangeni” is surprisingly good. The band’s sound is, at this point, more than just Black Metal. Little details that the band

  Vaetteilden “Nu Er Tiden Inde” (Den Ottende Kunst, 2023) The Danish Heavy Metal scene is better known for being the house to one of the greatest Heavy Metal bands off all time: Mercyful Fate, led by the might King Diamond. However, the country’s quality in Heavy Metal does not end there, quite the opposite. Gam and Jernved, band mates with Vaetteilden, are perfect examples of how the scene has evolved. Ildskaer is another great example of a scene that is, slowly, showing itself outside Denmark’s borders. “Nu Er Tiden Inde” is the trio’s first release, and if I previously was absorbed by a much cleaner Black Metal sound, now, I am being drawn in by a much rougher and raw approach to Black Metal. Vaetteilden takes inspiration from Norway’s classic Black Metal bands and Folk Pagan melodies. “Den Sorte Blomst”, a sort of interlude, captures Ulver vibes, amazingly displaying the band’s appreciation for medieval Folk and Pagan melodies. Overall, this Demo is an impressive kick-off

  Gam “Alt Hans Vaesen” (Den Ottende Kunst, 2023) The Danish Black Metal band released, last year, their first Demo, and what a sonic experience it is. Affiliated with the label Den Ottende Kunst, home of another superb, and very singular project, Vaetteilden, Gam offered us their take on Medieval/Pagan Black Metal, Old School style. The sub-genre of Pagan Black Metal has always been described as A and B, with very little bands actually fitting the label. Is it due to the use of instrument normally used in Folk? Is it because the band builds melodies that are derivative of that time period or that musical lineage? I get confused at times. Labelling Primordial as a Pagan Folk Black Metal band, for example, today… makes my head turn and my brain start to overheat. Maybe I am the one mistaken, maybe… Nonetheless, Gam does craft these beautiful melodies that one associates with castles and medieval sceneries, and that, for me, is a win. Their sound is very enrooted in Old School Black

  Ginnungagap “Heliacal Arising” (Signal Rex, 2023) In Nordic mythology, Ginnungagap was the vast abyss between the Northern frigid temperatures of Nifhleim, and the Southern unbearable hot of Muspelheim before creation. This abyss was so deep that no human eye could see its end. Well, and how does this mythological perspective “infiltrates” into Ginnungagap’s music? We could go back and start off at Aldebaran, the shiniest star in the Taurus constellation. We could also head on over to Serra da Estrela and its legends, to Lucifer’s worshiping temples and occult connections. But why are these topics being mentioned? I truly believe that some musical genres go beyond the “simple” music and do have a content that breaks all walls. Black Metal is, without a doubt, such a case. And the reason why Aldebaran was mentioned, the reason why Serra da Estrela was cited, is all due to its importance to a number of Creators: The Clandestine Aldebaran Circle. Degredo, Espírito Aldebaran, Lycanth

  Infernal Angels “Shrine of Black Fire” (Immortal Frost Productions, 2023) 2023 has been, so far – and we are almost done with the year – a splendid year for Black Metal. Strangely enough I have been focusing more on bands and albums that have a deliberate melodic approach to the sound, rather than going for the Raw Black Metal acts. Not that we do not have been infernally blessed with exquisite works of Art, but the well-produced records have been calling for me, and I have answered the call. Immortal Frost is a bit to blame for that. Surtur has released, so far, at least 2 records I believe will be considered some of the best I had the pleasure to listen to this year: Infinity’s “The Untamed Hunger” and Deadspace’s “Unveiling the Palest Truth”; an honorable mention to Azaghal’s “Alttarimme on Luista Tehty”, that shows a band still pushing hard! The label’s latest release is Infernal Angel’s “Shrine of the Black Fire”, and we’ll jump right into the fire to see what we got here!