Formed in 2013, Swedish duo Fornhem released their debut album “Ett Fjärran Kall” in 2017, with their Nordic laments receiving quiet acclaim in underground circles. Returning as a trio for their second full release, the band have evolved their take on the classic black metal sound.
Opener “Den Längsta Dagen” gifts us bells chiming to a background of rippling flames, setting the scene for a glacial, doomy guitar riff, rasping vocals and half-tempo percussion. The drums soon speed up though the riff remains steadfast and hypnotic, and the song evolves to embrace some additional flair and melody towards the end.
“Uþarba Spa” is a sinister, icy, feedback laced exploration of second-wave black metal, with early Emperor and Satyricon influences clearly audible, whilst “Förlist” makes an ideal soundtrack for a ploddy, atmospheric wander through frost-laden forests. There’s a classic metal influence in some of the guitar work, notably on the title track. Fifth and final tune “Untergang” is a 12-minute doomy epic whose jangling guitars once more conjure visions of a bleak snowy landscape.
A lot of the songs here are based around repetition and variation on the same sonic theme, with harmonised tremolo-picked guitar parts, tempo changes and spoken word pieces keeping the listener on their toes. The production is undoubtedly raw and primal by design, yet maintains a clarity of mix that lets the quality of each performance shine through.
“Stämman från Berget“ is a top notch piece of work that should satisfy both the true-grim-necro traditionalist crowd and progressive aficionados alike, and with winter just around the corner this has arrived at just the right time.
(7.5/10 Doogz)
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