KVELERTAK - Meir

The Norwegians from Kvelertak give the impression that they are completely determined to become mainstream, or, better said, even more mainstream. And this is not a bad thing, since the band’s music remains along the same coordinates as their 2010 debut (Kvelertak) released by Indie Recordings. If you heard their previous album, I’m certain that most of you liked it. 

On Meir, the band keeps the same ingenious combination of hardcore punk, hard rock and black metal! Yes, anyone who comes into contact with the band’s music for the first time will probably say that this doesn’t work. But those who say it are probably people who have discovered black metal starting with the second or third wave. I must disappoint you. Punk elements have their place in black metal music. How about that? Take a listen to the legendary Hellhammer and you’ll see how. 

Let’s go back to Kvelertak, since they are subject here, aren’t they? Leaving metallic nostalgia for another time, let’s turn our eyes to the Norwegian heroes. Kvelertak is... well... how can I put it? Kvelertak is really good! Noise, energy, chaos, melodic choruses leaning more towards punk than metal, semi-clean and with a lot of melody (Spring Fra Livet, Evig Vandrar); song that are strongly reminiscent of hard rock roots (Åpenbaring, Bruane Brenn, Tordenbrak, Kvelertak)  but with the riot and fury of black metal, combined with chaotic hardcore punk (Trepan, Nekrokosmos). 

As with the debut album, Meir is produced by the brilliant mind behind Converge, none other than Kurt Ballou! You may say that this is a recipe, but it’s a recipe that works! And when I say this I’m thinking of the fact that the Norwegians managed to sound as themselves and make a strong move into mainstream, and at the same time sound original. Original? Yes, original, not in genre, but in their own approach. This would be an interesting thing to see in more bands. (No, not to sound like Kvelertak but to try and have something that is really theirs, not copycats with pretensions of modern metal). 

Briefly put: Kvelertak know the place where hardcore punk meets black metal and classic rock keeps watch. Or, even more briefly: Kvelertak manage to shine where many bands rot. Be prepared for almost 50 unforgettable minutes! The new heroes are taking the scene by storm!

H. Nota: 8.5