Album Review: Dødheimsgard – Black Medium Current (Peaceville Records)

‘Black Medium Current’, set for release on April 14th via Peaceville Records, is the sixth studio album by longstanding Norwegian avant-garde pioneers Dødheimsgard.

It doesn’t get more dramatic sounding then the opening track of this album. Dødheimsgard grasping minds with both hands and leading listeners into the ether of dark melody, haunting atmosphere, and infernal blackened metal. All of this, within the first few minutes of the epic Et Smelter. Be under no false illusions though, Dødheimsgard’s avant-garde side will make itself known in eccentric and electrifying fashion as the track goes on. The line between genius and madness is being precariously balanced here.

That’s not unique to the opening track either. Dødheimsgard’s creativity and imagination is off the chart across Black Medium Current. Where every single track is a mammoth and exhausting undertaking.

With Tankespinnerens Smerte, their black metal sound is heavy on the atmosphere and the vocals are oozing emotion. Even more so when they switch the tone up to be more melodic. Before throwing out two extravagant offerings in a row with Interstellar Nexus and It Does Not Follow. The former combining notable riffs, dark energy, trippy synth, and wild tone shifts. Whereas the latter is intensely off-kilter, with a level of devilish glee showcased by the evolving oddness of the experience. Listen to the first few minutes and try to imagine, if you can, this track transforming into a blistering and blackened monstrosity on par with the hellacious sounds of old.

Dødheimsgard’s musical showcase continues to deliver elation and bafflement in equal amounts. There’s no better example this year, so far, of an album that demands every bit of your attention and then some more. It will take some time for the unique qualities of this album to fully sink in… but it will.

An uber-dramatic piano intermission called Voyager allows a moment to catch the breath before Dødheimsgard continue to express themselves in such a unique way with the enigmatic power of Halow. Followed then by the monumental stages of abrasive heaviness, creative melodies, distinct effects, and instrumental brashness of Det Tomme Kalde Morke and Abyss Perihelion Transit. Two tracks combined that come in at nearly 19-minutes.

It can’t be stressed enough, Black Medium Current needs time investment and will thoroughly reward those willing to give it. In fact, like an addict, you might find yourself craving more, as the wacky and fascinating melodrama of Requiem Aeternum ends the experience.

One of, if not the most creative and unique metal records you will hear all year.

Dødheimsgard – Black Medium Current Track Listing:

1. Et Smelter
2. Tankespinnerens Smerte
3. Interstellar Nexus
4. It Does Not Follow
5. Voyager
6. Halow
7. Det Tomme Kalde Morke
8. Abyss Perihelion Transit
9. Requiem Aeternum

Links

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