Formed in 2013 and this being their debut album, Nyrst are another in the tidal wave of Icelandic black metal bands that have been out raiding over the last few years.
This begins nicely with a cold and atmospheric intro, a slow, dark and bleak picture painted for us. And then ‘Æðri verur’ really launches and we’re off into a tumultuous riff which retains plenty of the atmosphere. I’m reminded of Emperor around ‘Loss And Curse….’ a little bit here. The vocals prove to be really dynamic; wavering between the harsh screams and an almost classical wail, the kind of thing Root used to pull out, which plunges us into a little madness and a stormy ride. It’s pretty good I have to say, the vocal arrangements in particular being a real punch.
The title track again has those superb vocals riding a solid and aggressive riff. Lead breaks bring a little heavy metal to the mix, a pinch more melody and a toying with a discordant touch. I have to admit I’m not sure it justifies its near seven minute length, falling back into a fairly ok riff that simply goes on, but still good. ‘Nástirni’ next though kind of reinforces it for me; nicely arranged and with tempo shifts and quiet passages and once again exemplary vocal choices it… Ah it neither goes anywhere nor pins me with some mad, possessed gaze.
A pause for a brooding, rather superb little bridge piece we’re back with ‘Hvísl Hinna Holdlausu’ which again is good as far as it goes. The riff is hard and very modern sounding with the Emperor-esque melody work and top-drawer vocals but stretch it out over ten minutes and I do waver. Closer ‘Turnar í Fjarska’ is a little bit more chaotic and all the better for it but at seven minutes I think it a little long.
There is nothing wrong here, and I think as is Nyrst should pick up a lot of fans. This is classy, modern sounding and melodic without being weak in the slightest and the vocal range and arrangements as simply superb. Just for this grim old soul the songs work better when the storm turbulence hits. I also do think that they need to look a little at the length of songs with the content they have. Nothing bad. Nothing unfixable. It’s a good debut and one to watch for the future.
(6.5/10 Gizmo)
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