Album Review: Altari – Kröflueldar (Svart Records)

Fire and brimstone from Icelandic black metal band Altari, as their volcanic new album Kröflueldar erupts via Svart Records on the 14th of April, 2023.

Named after a series of eruptions that happened at Krafla in Iceland in 1975, Kröflueldar represents the constant threat of ash that Altari’s music lives under. Kröflueldar was a 9-year series of eruptions, and since the album took almost 9 years to create, Altari felt that it was a fitting title.

Saturated in atmosphere and layering the darkness on thickly, Altari’s enigmatic black metal sound is as charming as it is coarse. There’s no confusing what side of the metal spectrum Altari sit on with the moody and mean opener of Kröflueldar, but it’s not the ‘be all and end all’ of their sound. The harsh coldness of the soundscape is blighted by the heat of the fire and ash they spew.

Whereas the opener was more methodical, Djáknahrollur is much more chaotic. Altari adding some unconventional but welcome groove to proceedings. Followed then by the disconcerting sound of Leðurblökufjandinn. Where melodic eccentricities clash with the severe and emotionless world of black metal for one of the album’s most liberating efforts. Altari’s creativity continuing to delight as the halfway point of the album is passed with the evocative and disturbing Sýrulúður.

It’s time for something ‘epic’ with Hin eina sanna now. Altari showcasing more confidence and experimentation. All while reaching a level of abrasiveness not experienced anywhere else on the record. A cacophony of instrumental blackened heaviness and chilling melodies alongside commanding vocal power makes this the track to hear. It’s simply wonderful.

Though, there are few complaints that can be levied at the penultimate offering of Vítisvilltur either. Even as it doubles down on the sense of dark mystery and leaves the mind numb from just how cold it is.

Finally, it’s Grafarþögn to bring this experience to an end and with it, Altari showcase the depth to their black metal sound. Simply by making this one of the most atmospherically charged efforts. All while delivering emphatic blackened heaviness and dramatic melody that leaves you feeling isolated and despondent.

Altari – Kröflueldar Track Listing:

1. Kröflueldar
2. Djáknahrollur
3. Leðurblökufjandinn
4. Sýrulúður
5. Hin eina sanna
6. Vítisvilltur
7. Grafarþögn

Links

Bandcamp | Svart Records