As the familiar strains that launch Noktvrn harken back to a theme from predecessor Finisterre (both Season of Mist), it is a fitting acknowledgement of an integral part in the ascension of Der Weg einer Freiheit that was played with the release of their 2017 masterpiece in establishing the band as a serious artist of note. It also serves to guide us into the slow-building and considered unveiling of first track proper ‘Monument’, preparing us for the fact that we are taking part in a procession, a conscious movement from one state in an evolution to another.
And it isn’t long before that oh-so delicious and welcoming Blood of Life is flowing into our ears, as Der Weg einer Frieheit open the doors of an absolute statement of an album that has everything a serious Black Metal record should have.
Peaks, troughs, blasts, scything motifs, howls, hooks, contemplative sections, gorgeous dynamics, immersive movements… Noktvrn has it all, cementing their position as, alongside Wolves In The Throne Room, the eminent purveyors of high quality Black Metal in 2021.
‘Am Rande der Dunkelheit’ gives further credence to this, laying on atmospheres and immersive passages as it builds through staccato epic thrashing to a gorgeous cascading guitar-lead flecked coda.
Yet, this is not just about the next classy step in an evolution, there is also a conscious moving into newer areas, as melancholic, pulsing ‘Immortal’ and farewell reflection ‘Haven’ play with crooned cleans – exemplary in their delivery – all while being part of a darker whole that fits seamlessly into the narrative, natural in their insertion and fully belonging as part of this dark world.
At each turn we meet memorable refrains and expert use of dynamics and atmospheres, so that a standard set from the outset is met at every turn and no breath or note is wasted. There are nods to music heroes past – ‘Morgen’ references Emperor and Dissection with tasteful reverence and there are elements of early Arcturus and Borknagar in snatches throughout – but most impressively in a style of music where we have heard most of it before, Der Weg einer Frieheit continue to carve their own niche.
Intended to reflect the uneasy, at-times fear-filled state that exists between sleeping and waking, the ebbs and flows, the perfect marriage of beauty and harshness of this creation is a testament to the power of the very best of blackened architects.
Buy the album here: https://derwegeinerfreiheitsom.bandcamp.com/
9 / 10
STEVE TOVEY