Óðkraptr
“Óðkraptr” (Signal Rex, 2024)

The Danish Black Metal scene is becoming one of the most interesting scenes in Black Metal. A bit like the Dutch, their sound is not – only – straightforward Black Metal from the days of Past, but fusions of sounds, and forms, and perspectives. Well, we you reach a certain age you start to form a very specific image of what Black Metal is to you – and many more things in life, for that matter – and when something hits you differently, you take a step back and analyse it before giving an opinion. In a way, I am doing that with Óðkraptr, and learning how the beast lives and acts. Óðkraptr has been around for a while, and Signal Rex has been on top the game from the get-go, which does not surprise me anymore.

“ÓÐKRAPTR is yet another creative vehicle for one Geistaz, who also numbers the esteemed likes of GEISTAZ'IKA among his endeavors. While that band tends toward a traditional expression of classic '90s black metal, ÓÐKRAPTR departs down the most unorthodox corridors of black metal - or simply erases the "black metal" altogether for something wholly haunting and incredibly unique” (Signal Rex, 2024). 

In a way this encapsulates the band’s essence almost perfectly. That merging of the Black Metal being with the Haunting Ambient creature really configures a very particular sound. I would not call it Dark Ambient, as the Artist pushes its boundaries repeatedly, but it does carry that dark sounding on its back, which ends up adding more dynamics to the sound, many more layers and complexity. It is not an immediate sound, if I can put it like that. You need to explore it, absorb it, understand it… and this might fall into a bottomless pit, yes.

There is also a ritualistic side to his music. The way the melodies take the listener “on a trip” is something that Black Metal has accustomed us to, although in dissimilar ways. The vocal output is to be considered, and a very important part of this equation. Mantras and Sonic Enchantments, I dare say. Different from your standard Black Metal act, Geistaz brings forth another level of his understanding of the musical expression of Black Metal. A journey through the man’s mind and darker corners. Katharsis is a word that comes to mind, although I might be far from the truth on this one. Nonetheless, this is the proof that the sound we knew is on a constant morphing process, and although some prefer to follow the Old Ones, other have more to give, and their path is of Loneliness and Darkness.

Óðkraptr Official Bandcamp