The term “raw black metal” tends to be used as a marketing tool, but not here. Noitila’s music is described as “an invocation of darkness, devil worship, death adulation and ancient Finnish folk magic”. What I found more interesting is the band’s proximity to nature, its use of a cabin for recording, a leather chair as a bass drum and the recording of acoustic guitars in open forest.
Penetrating and hard-hitting are words I would use to describe the opener “Kylvemme Sateesa Enkelten Veeren” (We Bathe in the Rain of Angels’ Blood). The vocalist screams like a crow, and a truly black atmosphere is created. The drum sound is simple. The mood shifts from direct metal to one which is in turn reflective and anguished. As well as smelling traditionalists like Bathory and Beherit in here, I sensed a similarity with Moonsorrow in the overt invocation of nature as a force within.”Kadotuksen Liekki” (The Flame of Damnation) is as near to early black metal as you’ll find. The vocalist’s screams are manic. The drum and riff are unsophisticated. The ambiance is wild and frenzied. A howling wing and crackling fire are the prelude to the deep-voiced chant and steady rhythm of “Notiliaan” (To Noitilia). Noitilia, I understand, means Witches’ Bay. The tempo ramps up, as does the air of malevolence. The wind returns, accompanied by a melancholic acoustic tune and distant whisperings. A remorseless black metal beat takes us forward. “Notiliaan” is a transforming journey – about what exactly, I’m not sure, as it’s a mix of melancholy, harshness and the singing of warriors.
So to title song “Langennut” (Fallen) we go, and with it a piercing scream and rhythm before a tempo uptick, a classic black metal riff and an angry vocalist. A hymnal chant undoubtedly adds to the mystical atmosphere. A Khold style melodic rhythm characterises “Ikuisuuten Tomittu” (Doomed to Eternity). Then it’s back to early 90s in spirit with a banging, withering round of contempt and dismality – this is music for the grey, rainy weather I’m seeing outside. One thing to say is that Noitilla do add interest, changing direction, and adding instruments and vocal sections, so musically it goes beyond an unrequited black metal base. “Ruumis” (Corpse) starts with the sound of the anvil, and a doomy like march. After solemn chanting, a frenzied attack starts with our vocalist screaming insanely once more, and then it ends. The album closes with “Tähtien Takaa” (From Beyond the Stars). Unlike the others, this an ambient piece which to me evokes the passing of the clouds and stars in the clear night sky.
Thematically I couldn’t myself really say how much Finnish folk magic was evoked here, although I could sense it was there. I felt a harsh world where our warriors in the woods were facing up to the natural world around them. Musically, “Langennut” parades old school black metal values but does so in a way that enhances the atmospheres and emotions that can be associated with the genre. Although I cannot really associate myself with the theme other than indirectly by previous listenings to black metal, and found this album in many ways obscure, I did appreciate the developments in the seven songs which exude power and intent.
(7/10 Andrew Doherty)
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