Some bands look to push boundaries, blending genres and constantly evolving their sound, while some are content to stick with tried and tested blueprints. There is nothing wrong with this, but there is a risk that these bands can begin to sound dated and stale, perhaps even a little desperate as they cling to their roots. However, these bands can also be a blast of fresh air as they continue to ply more traditional styles but with a contemporary energy and zest, and that is exactly what Vananidr manage to achieve.

This is the Swedes’ fifth album comprising no nonsense atmospheric Scandinavian black metal and although they have kept to a more traditional black metal sound, the mix is crystal clear bringing a modern edge to the sound. Across nine tracks and almost an hour the sound swings between frenzied aggression and melancholic melody on a backdrop of sinister yet epic melody. At times, not least on ‘In Silence Descend’, I was reminded of early Dissection and Thulcandra, perhaps with hints of Satyricon thrown in for good measure – These are easy reference points, and are of course meant as a compliment!

As the album progresses, the darkness is broken up in places by more ambient, atmospheric sections such as the serene instrumental half way through ‘The Black Crow and the White Swan’, and these work really well serving to emphasise the darkness and despair of the rest of the album.

With each track that rumbles past the atmosphere builds and becomes more claustrophobic and all encompassing, and although each track has its own personality, they begin to merge, sitting nicely together as one slab of desolate melodic black metal. There seems to be an ever increasing feeling of disgust and contempt in the vocals as they pour out their venom, adding to the overall effect.

In short, this is epic Scandinavian black metal staying true to the genre’s roots while bringing in a contemporary feel. Undercurrents of sweeping, epic melodies give a majestic feel, counterbalancing the nihilistic aggression of the rest of the album. It’s fair to say that Vananidr are not breaking any new territory here, but when they do what they do this well, it really doesn’t matter and this is a cracking album and I hope I get to hear some of the material live soon.

Final thought – if melodic or atmospheric black metal is your thing, you need to check out Vanandir and ‘In Silence Descent’ soon!

( 8.5/10 Andy Pountney) 

https://www.facebook.com/vananidr

https://avantgardemusic.bandcamp.com/track/in-silence-descend