Style: Black metal
Primary Emotions/Themes:
Thoughts: I mentioned a long while ago that I will be adding less and less metal to my collection as time goes on. I have so much of it that I feel like it's getting saturated, black metal in particular. Though it is my favorite genre, I feel like I have almost every entry into the genre that I need to call my collection complete. Of course there are some classics I don't have, but for the most part I'm done... even more so with newer releases.
For me to add a newer black metal album to my collection it has to be exceptional. I have to fall in love with it from start to finish, and nearly every moment has to be stellar. The fact that Sotteklugt came out just a few years ago should tell anyone reading this how much I love this album with those stipulations in mind.
This album has five songs on it. Each one of them unique. Be it the intense and maniacal riffing found in Respijt. Or the remorseful and longing clean vocals found in Nachtdwaler. Or the epic leanings of the closer Dodendans... these songs are excellent... no more than excellent, they are stellar.
I've listened to this thing several dozen times at this point, and I simply don't get tired of this album. I knows exactly what to do and when to do it... and almost most importantly, how long to do it. These songs are perfectly paced, perfectly produced, perfectly nuanced and atmospheric as all hell. It feels like the songs were recorded in large building resembling a church or perhaps even a cave... somewhere where the music can reverberate nearly indefinitely.
Shagor may be a one off project, but damn if it is the one that they put out is a good one. Is it wholly original? No, far from it... but it is executed so well and with such passion that it's nearly impossible to ignore the outcome.
Written August 1st 2024
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