Sweden's Nastrond certainly aren't strangers to the world of underground black metal having been around since the early 90's. This duo which consists of two men who go by the names of Draugr and Arganas have consistently delivered one black slab of filth after another and their latest effort Muspellz Synir is certainly no exception, as they clearly demonstrate how to flawlessly execute, furious and violent sounding BM. While they haven't totally steered clear of the eerie atmospherics which permeated a large body of their earlier work, the intent here is blatantly obvious and that is to go for the jugular from the onset. This is achieved through a particularly grim and savage sounding attack that places the emphasis front and center on a relentless amount of raw in your face guitar, coupled with an equal serving of some of the most caustic sounding vocals you're likely to hear. The production qualities are above average with the bass and drums clearly audible throughout and thankfully the band doesn't employ triggers or blast beats, preferring to go for more of an organic sound. Basically if tracks like "Eldrök ", "Defiance of the Transient" and "Dark Fyres" haven't torn you a new you know what then nothing will because this stuff is absolutely killer. While the tempos eventually settle down a little bit roughly half the way in, the band also manages to toss in the odd wild card or two with a couple of ambient sounding instrumentals, demonstrating they haven't completely broken ties with their past.
Muspellz Synir is truly vicious from beginning to end and the intensity levels remain high for every second of this black beauty which runs about 54 minutes and change. If you haven't yet checked out Nastrond but are a fan of above average underground black metal then this disc will definitely be a worthy addition to your collection.
Track Listing
1) Intro - The Gallow Reveals
2) Fenrir Prophesy
3) Eldrök
4) Defiance of the Transient
5) Dark Fyres
6) Die Sense die die schwarze Herbstzeitlose mäht
7) Ascending Blaze
8) Agios
9) Svarta Stränder (Digerdöden)
10) Calling the Serpentine
11) Ior
12) Mouth of the Sea
13) Passing Beyond Light
14) Nåstrond
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