In this new review, I'm going to introduce you to a band I've discovered in recent weeks, Svartlod. A Black Metal duo formed in 2022 in Örebro, Sweden. Their debut album, entitled The Reverend, was released on 9 May this year on digital format.
From the opening track, Holy Delusions, a dark atmosphere sets in. This 40-minute album of eight tracks, offering a melodic composition over heavy mid-tempo rhythms, with sharp guitars and drums perfectly balancing the musical structure presented by Svartlod. The track Gudsförgäten is a perfect example of this piece of art.
The Swedish duo also take a different musical approach with the track The Devilish Reckoning Sound. Here, the composition is more violent and the instruments faster, while keeping their dark, melancholy quality. The screaming, high-pitched vocals are sometimes reminiscent of those of Forgotten Wood's Thomas Torkelsen or Silencer's Nattramn, and deliver tales of religion, aposatasy and death. The vocals and musical performance reaches its peak on the last two tracks, I Am the Way and Apostasia.
The Reverend is an album that combines power and melancholy with high-pitched, screaming vocals. A very good album that will appeal to Black Metal fans.
Rating : 7,5/10
To listen : Spotify
