The words True Black metal has been used way too many times in the long history of metal music. So much so that it has become an overstatement and rarely means something worth a listen as bands simply chose to peddle the same formulas in the name of sticking to the roots. But every now and then, we come across a band who are able to transport our souls to the cold, mist-shrouded forests of despair, great black metal is known and expected to.
‘Det Svarte Juv’ by Norwegian black metallers Mork is an example of one such album. With absolutely no gimmicks, Mork holds the flag of true Norwegian black metal high with this record. Founded initially as a one-man act, they have now evolved to become a full-live act and an important name in black metal appearing at music festivals and constantly amusing the listeners of the early era black metal bands such as Darkthrone, 1349, etc.
Mork’s ability to combine the sting of harshness with a dark atmosphere is applause-worthy. Right from “Mørkeleggelse”, they are able to create a pall of darkness which shrouds the entire record. A very important aspect about the greatness of the album is the vocals which shine throughout the album especially in tracks such as “Da Himmelen Falt”, “På Tvers Av Tidene” and “Det Svarte Juv”.
Musically, the approach is downright simplistic. There are absolutely no frills, no unwanted guitar solos or any attempts at unsuspecting pretentiousness. Mork have been able to create a great record clinging to the grim old Norwegian black metal roots, and at the same time ensuring it does not end up becoming another boring blast beating-tremolo picking a show.
The record has this immaculate quality to take the listener on a journey. At times the music will engulf you in its darkness, and the very next moment it will spit out into the fiery pits of hell. The production on the album is also a perfect balance of rawness and clarity as compared to most other lo-fi records common in this genre. We did not find any major complaints with this album. It is bound to bring a grin on the grim faces of any old-school black metal fan. However, the ones who wander there looking for something out of the ordinary may not be much amused.
‘Det Svarte Juv’ by Norwegian black metallers Mork holds the flag of true Norwegian black metal high. With layers of dark atmospheres entwined with dissonance, it is a brilliantly crafted album bound to attain praise from the masses looking forward to some good old-school black metal.