German black metal musician, Fyrnd, returns once more from the Northern Rhinelands to deliver his third full length release ‘Fórn’. While originally self-released (the reasons for Fyrnask parting ways with Temple of Torturous are unknown) as a digital-only album, Ván Records very wisely took on the record to give it the physical format it deserves. While Fyrnd has been consistent with never letting more than four years pass between, the main question is “is ‘Fórn’ consistent in quality?” and the answer is a mixed bag.
The composition and riffs on this record are absolutely flawless; when Fyrnd decides to go full throttle he takes no prisoners and delivers pummelling passages of well executed black metal that’s laden in Cascadian atmosphere. What lets this release down is the continual stop-start pace – it’s never clear when the heavier segments are going to make way for synths and folkier moments and it feels like it brings the momentum to a grinding halt, as Fyrnd can’t decide upon the sound or message he is trying to convey. While previous releases ‘Bluostar’ and ‘Eldir Nótt’ seamlessly blended together the shamanistic chants with samples and instrumentals, this newest opus seems only to be able to showcase one quality at a time.
This is still a solid effort, with songs such as ‘Niðrdráttr’ providing highlights in the use of Fyrnd’s impressive vocal range and technical guitar work – when this record is good, it’s damn near perfect and difficult to believe it’s just one person. However, the synths do sometimes overshadow everything else, making the experience disjointed and difficult to immerse yourself in. If you are willing to overlook this slight heavy handedness then this is modern day black metal brilliance.
(7/10 Angela Davey)
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