Swedish black metal is well represented in the world of the dark arts, and it is further reinforced by the existence of Zornheym, the catalyst for the creation of Zornheym was the phoenix which rose in the form of Zorn who emerged from the flames of Swedish uber lords, Dark Funeral. Zornheym are putting out their second full length album and an eclectic ensemble of musical genres are exhibited within ‘The Zornheim Sleep Experiment’. Black metal is the authority and overarching style utilised within this release, but there are also elements of death metal and good old general heavy metal bubbling away in the background.

The album is compelling from the opening right through to the very end. The tracks are catchy and inject you with a want for more as you absorb and digest each track as it is delivered to you. On each track the guitars are manipulated with precision and melody and the solos which are flaunted are incorporated into the battle with a sense of passion and sophistication.

‘The Zornheim Sleep Experiment’ unleashes a string quartet within its ranks, and this adds an element of beauty and swagger which is smoothly joined by the ‘Chorus Tenebris’, a choir graceful and awe inspiring with each delivery they launch within the confines of the album.

The howls and clean lines of the vocals are propelled with a delicate charm by Bendler, and the range which he expresses, and showcases is one of great magnitude. The vocals adopt a raw growl or bark, and they then turn on a sixpence and transform into melodic and fragile singing with a clean operatic tinge. The variance and ability to switch the styles at a moments notice is one to be applauded for the intricacy and ability which is expelled throughout,

There are several standout moments of excellence amongst the forest of decadence and beauty. ‘Corpus Vile’ carves open the album and is a perfect premier track. The vocals deliver switching styles and utilises the abilities of bendler to perfection, mixing up the harsh growls and venomous barks with the softness and accuracy of more clean vocal styles. ‘Dead Silence’ is violent and aggressive and allows the fretboards and strings to deliver a masterclass in the art of chord attacks coupled with a rhythmic tablature. The beating of the skins from Joakim are powerful and almost primal in the authority and dominance which is generated with every blow and thump from the sticks.

‘The Revelation’ is crammed full of intensity and vitriol. Vocals are menacing and segments of the track include lyrics hauntingly repeated over and over, only adding to the ominous and dark ambience born within the track. The other point of note which I feel compelled to put down in words is that which is discovered on ‘Slumber Comes In Time’. The drums are delivered and wrapped up within a cocoon of speed and precision, the intensity and rate at which they are generated is worth a pound of anyone’s money.

This may just be the second offering from this Swedish troop, but boy does it sound mature, evolved and sophisticatedly complex. If this is evidence on what they can deliver with just a two-album history, then I’m sure they will grow and develop into an established horde which will sit comfortably within the ranks of the elite black metal armies.

(9/10 Phil Pountney)

https://www.facebook.com/zornheym

https://zornheym.bandcamp.com/album/the-zornheim-sleep-experiment