Album Review: Mork – Katedralen (Peaceville)

Following on mercilessly from 2020’s aptly titled ‘Pesta’ EP, Norwegian act Mork resumes its ascension through the ranks of the Scandinavian black metal scene with the fifth chapter, Katedralen, venturing ever further from the more primal early Darkthrone-based foundations, while still fundamentally keeping the grim flame of the old school in its DNA. It will be released on March 5th, 2021 via Peaceville Records.

Bleak and black, dark and cold, savage and heavy; Mork bring the haunting and horrifying sound of the early black metal scene kicking and screaming into 2021. The flame isn’t so much as relit as it is doused in fuel and thrown onto a mountainous pyre.

The resulting inferno is Katedralen and those dancing around it with joy are the hellish hordes who have waiting patiently for the harsh horror of Mork to return.

…and what a return it is. Eight twisted tales of vast and far-reaching black metal. With riffs that can cut through flesh, percussion that can grind bones to dust and vocals that leaves the body shaking from head to toe. It’s as brutal as black metal can get but, and this is an important but, Mork aren’t your everyday throwback. Something that is very evident in just how rhythmically pleasing a lot their songs are. This stuff has structure, built on strong foundations and shored up by modern tricks and production techniques.

It has its ‘blast to face’ side but it also has an underlying sickness that infects the mind, body and soul. Where, there are elements of wickedness hidden amongst catchy hooks and slight tinges of melody. It’s this crossover, the combination of everything that makes this an album to behold.

Fear not, it is exclusively black metal but it’s not handcuffed by the genre. Mork have delivered something with a bit more of an interesting spin on things. It’s what makes it such an addictive and captivating listen.

Mork – Katedralen Full Track Listing:

1. Dodsmarsjen
2. Svartmalt
3. Arv
4. Evig Intens Smerte
5. Det Siste Gode I Meg
6. Fodt Til A Herske
7. Lysbaereren
8. De Fortapte Sjelers Katedral

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