Norway’s Okkultokrati have been combining black metal, post punk and kraut rock together for over a decade, however, it’s arguably 2016’s ‘Raspberry Dawn’ that really thrust this unique mash up of genres into the spotlight (coincidentally this was also their first release via Southern Lord). Their ability to craft songs that sound like a Darkthrone/Joy Division collaboration is nothing short of impressive and inspires even the stoniest faced of attendees to their live shows to nod along in appreciation. ‘La Ilden Lyse’ (light the fire) is their fifth full length and sees them expanding upon their riffs and exploring darker, heavier musical territory.
Opening track ‘Thelemic Threat’ is an explosive start, beginning with classic 90s sounding black metal guitar and vocals, which steadily layers repeated catchy riff upon catchy riff. The guitars gallop along at a breakneck pace, utilising intricate time signatures to create melodies and rhythms that have the distinctive quality of being both fun and surprisingly hefty. The percussion acts as metronome to the organised chaos, remaining steady and unwavering throughout the rapid serpentine grooves. The psychedelic tinge that has always been present on previous Okkultokrati records feels notably absent on this opus, resulting in an album that is decidedly more traditionally metal than anything they’ve produced before.
Okkultokrati’s ability to effortlessly make the rawness of punk and black metal collide into an irresistibly danceable beat has not receded at all on ‘La Ilden Lyse’, despite the lack of kraut rock and hallucinogenic-like sensibilities. Stripping back a component has allowed for their song writing to be the star of the show and, in losing none of the atmosphere, proves just how striking a collective talent they are and that a no frills approach is just as effective.
(9/10 Angela Davey)
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