You can get a very good idea of a bands work ethic by following them on social media and as far as Norse Pagan blacksters Kampfar are concerned there are not many out there who have a stronger one. Constantly striving to create new music and never happier than when performing it live you could feel the frustration soaking out their pores when everything was curtailed after last release ‘Ofidians Manifest’ and they had to face an abrupt downing of tools on everything they held dear. Since enforced and sadly necessary enslavement was lifted you could feel the tension eased as they got back on stage again playing as many shows as possible, no longer restrained like caged tigers. On the recorded front a slew of singles and video clips swiftly followed leading up to ninth studio album ‘Til klovers takt.’ First listen of it blew me out my boots and the words “might, thunder and fury” formed in my head. Over repeated listens and with layers unveiling themselves further I was struck by the intricacies and their corresponding shades of brooding malevolence and downright viciousness. Yep, Kampfar have definitely been unleashed here.

There are 6 weighty chapters rendered “To The Beat Of Clover” and like the painted cover courtesy Heinrich Bürkel we prepare to be entranced by bygone rites as we “Dance Under The Stars.” Harmony enriches things over Dolk’s gnarly vocal lines, the heft is palpable and an acoustic instrumental break adds atmosphere before the full crushing fury drives in. There is anger here but also with cleaner vocals soaring a huge sense of grandiosity and poise, the orchestral woodwind solo being just one of many things to capture your attention during the course of the album. It’s a massive opening statement but the band are certainly not resting on laurels after delivering it. ‘Urkraft’ centres itself around a big bouncy groove and solemn Norse verse expanding to a mid-paced crusher with soaring harmonies and clamouring backing vocals. These put in mind a bunch of desperate seamen battling against the elements below deck and riding waves as the tempest expands. It kind of reminds a little of epic Primordial number ‘The Coffin Ships’ and is sure to be a rousing number live. ‘Fandens Trall’ which amusingly seems to translate as ‘Damn Troll’ stomps all over the place turning straw huts to dust. There’s a spot of throat singing and the surge of decimation is superbly illustrated by the barraging musicianship.

Take a leaf out of Watain’s books, massive shrieks of “fire” are harshly yelled out on ‘Flammen Fra Nord’ as the Flames Of The North are lit on the albums most bruising section. Still, it’s not all a work of speed and bass is allowed to jangle around and shake the rib cage as multi-layered vocal clamour harangues and urgently ignites and spreads. Dolk really keeps you on your toes going for a section of operatic baritone amidst it all. ‘Rekviem’ does not exactly deliver a period of mourning but is vociferous and urgent in delivery at first before stretching out and allowing some jaunty retro keyboard work and symphonic elements to gradually shine through. So far each and every song has had its own personality and something different about it and closing number ‘Dødens aperitiff’ is no exception to the rule as it delivers a ballsy brass last dose of death. But I’ve said enough and this is an album you have to experience yourself as it is a mighty statement from the black metal trailblazers and should definitely find itself high on many end of year lists.

(9/10 Pete Woods)

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https://kampfarofnorway.bandcamp.com/album/til-klovers-takt-2