With the first release in eight years, Norway’s Dødheimsgard return armed with a reputation for the abstract and the almost absurd. Formerly a more pure Black Metal act, 1999’s seminal 666 International saw the band broaden their sonic palette to incorporate a widening range of styles within their sound, often incorporated in sudden ways as opposed to fluidly throughout, with 2015’s return, A Umbra Omega, receiving plaudits and adding to their cult following. 

Nearly a decade on, 2023’s Black Medium Current (Peaceville Records) shows this sense and desire for the avant-garde has not remotely dulled. In fact, dull is about as far removed from this as possible. Black Medium Current is certainly not an easy ride initially. It is a work that requires time to fully consume, in part due to its sheer duration at over an hour and for the sheer weight of ideas and changes throughout. 

Opener ‘Et Smelter’ lulls with an initial sense of the familiar with minimalist and atmospheric bars and whispered, chant-like vocals at the start before erupting into a blistering black metal frenzy charging through this towards a grandiose, progressive rock-like flourish complete with evocative synths and an abrupt change in tone.

‘Tankespinnerens Smerte’ similarly commences in a more typical blackened mould but begins to veer into a more contemplative and down-tempo post-metal passage, whilst ‘Interstellar Nexus’ provides an almost danceable refrain, feeling reminiscent of space rock, entrancing electronica, and almost synth-pop, with an eerie and almost menacing vibe. 

Where such aspects could prove quite disparate, Dødheimsgard are adept at weaving these aspects together as opposed to perhaps separating them throughout, such as on the hypnotic ‘Abyss Perihelion Transit’ which sees initial ambiance flow into more extreme metal elements with dark synth passages and echoey vocals layering amongst it.

With such a gap between releases, Black Medium Current offers a foreboding atmosphere throughout its duration alongside the sense of unpredictability and near chaos in its craft; a brooding tone that perhaps points towards a difficult time. The results are very much captivating however and show what a creative force the band are. It is a challenging and, at times, near-worrying listen, but one that warrants time and rewards with depth and immersion. 

An assured highlight of the year.

https://peaceville.bandcamp.com/album/black-medium-current 

8 / 10

CHRIS TIPPELL