There are few things you can rely on in life, but Norwegian black metal seems to be one of those, especially when it comes to bands who don’t stray too far from the blue print.  Bergen’s Nattverd are one such band, and here they continue to spew forth black metal of the highest order.

Having initially started in the 90s, the band’s official formation was delayed until 2014 culminating in their well-received debut album in 2017. Since then the core of Ormr (vocals, guitar) and Atyr (guitar) have been joined by several high profile (in underground circles at least) musicians including members and ex members of Tsjuder, Nordjevel, Ragnarok, Urgehal and Sarkom for their second and third albums. This brings us to 2023 and their fourth album ‘I Helvetes Forakt’ (which translates to “In Hells contempt” if my limited Norwegian can be trusted).

This carries on where the first three albums left off and is their strongest to date. Over the course of ten tracks, all in Norwegian, Nattverd deliver their claustrophobic, intense blend of black metal. The vocals are abrasive and delivered with venom atop a battering rhythm section. The overall sound is dense, yet somehow also retains the trademark “icy” sound associated with so much Scandinavian black metal, and although it is uncompromising it is permeated with epic melody both from guitar solos and subtle underpinning melodies.

These heavier sections are broken up by more atmospheric passages which further add to the atmosphere, effortlessly taking you away to desolate, yet alluring, winter landscapes.

This album achieves a perfect balance traditional Norwegian black metal while also having a contemporary, modern sound. An oxymoron? Maybe but if I’ve piqued your interest, then I highly recommend you give this a listen.

(9/10 Andy Pountney)

https://www.facebook.com/nattverdofficial

https://soulsellerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/i-helvetes-forakt