Despite coming from Germany, the 30-year-strong Atmospheric Black Metal unit Bergthron tend to incorporate strong Norse-themed concepts and influences into their songs. Playing mostly Black Metal with a touch of progressive undertones —that would remind their listeners of Sólstafir and the likes–, they are best known for writing songs that pay homage towards the North and its pulchritude, and the ancient times; references of Norse myths included. This fact somehow also bears relevance with how the concepts of their sounds –both lyrically and sonically– are strongly associated with the cold and winter.
After 15 years of absence, they are back on releasing a seventh full-length packed up in 32 minutes entitled Neu Asen Land, out via Trollzorn Records. Unraveling a change in direction in terms of craftsmanship, this album offers pure authenticity that only Bergthron themselves can present, on their own terms. While keeping the Black Metal elements intact, Bergthron experimented on some newer styles of sounds such as Synthwave, Avant-garde, Ambient, and Gothic Rock as well on this album; making it an elevated sorcery of esoteric rawness. And because this album incorporates elements of Ambient and Synthwave while also converging them with the anticipated ferocity of Black Metal blast beats, it bears some resemblance to Ulver.
Being all-around versatile, Neu Asen Land is like a melting pot of everything dynamic all at once; ranging from Gothic Rock nuances, melodic ambient atmospheres, and conventional Black Metal undertones, to Nordic-style chants. It also features two contrasting elements simultaneously, such as how slow-paced and aggressive vocals are combined with haunting clean guitars. If I were to depict their soundscapes visually, probably the sounds that they present got something to do with the tension of Fimbulwinter right before Ragnarok, or the depths of dark forests, or the menacing cold of the Arctic Circle far north somewhere in Karasjok where the reindeers, the Sami people, and The Northern Lights reside– just my imagination, though!
This long-awaited comeback of theirs is a triumphant resurrection at its finest form, throughout their profound sonic journey. Neu Asen Land consists of an extensive range of vibrant tapestry; from feral growls to harmonious clean vocals and chants that are immersively inspired by the North.
Buy the album here:
https://bergthron.bandcamp.com/album/neu-asen-land
8 / 10
RALKA SKJERSETH