Norway has long been known for its black metal output, championing artist producing both true black metal and more diversely inspired acts pushing the boundaries to create exciting new combinations. Khold are a band that has placed themselves distinctly towards the latter.

Mixing in a heavy dose of rock n roll set against a grim dissonant backing, Khold have created a distinctive sound that sets them apart from black metal purists while still retaining an oppressively darkened atmosphere. Guitar riffs weave their way over a prominent rattling bass lines tied together by Gard’s rasped vocals. The majority of the album remains mid-paced, particularly opening songs ‘Myr’ and ‘Ravnestrupe’, contrasting this however are later tracks ‘Dommens Arme’, ‘Avund’ and ‘Hengitt’ that race through towards the closing of the album.

While Khold have crafted a great sound for Tel Endes (Peaceville), the album’s real issue is with their unwillingness to stray from it at any point. All of the tracks maintain a similar atmosphere making the final section of the album a chore to get to and reducing any memorable features the album might contain. The vocals and guitars may vary their material, but the tone is maintained throughout reducing the impact of any contrast in the bands material and creating very little opportunity for the listener to really grasp onto something unique about an individual track.

For any black metal fan looking at straying into the move diversely inspired music making its way out of Norway at the moment, this is certainly an album to take an hour out for. The blackened groove coupled with clean production makes this a decent piece of work but the repetitive nature of the riffs and the atmosphere still leave it lagging behind many other bands working in the same area today.

6.0/10

Khold are too Khvlt for Facebook

CAITLIN SMITH