Can't say I know much about the duo who call themselves Folkvang, but the third album from Wind (guitars, bass, vocals) and Incarnatus (drums), called Atmospheric Black, is an enjoyable mix of raw, primal black metal with some of the more atmospheric elements of the genre that we've seen over the last decade or so. Production wise, this is bleak, chilling, and murky stuff, nothing slick at all about the way that Atmospheric Black sounds, which will surely please those who love the early recordings of acts such as Darkthrone, Emperor, and Mayhem. The Belarus duo lay down some impressive layers on the sedate "The Home Among the Stars", but go for the juggular on the rampaging "The Way For a Poison", a tremelo picked, blast beat driven, tortured scream filled gem that rivals some of the best old school styled black metal you'll hear this day and age. From there they lurch into some intoxicating acoustic & progressive sounds on "Back to the Roots", before jumping back into raging fury with "Isolated", complete with those almost symphonic sounding tremelo riffs that Dark Funeral made famous. The CD closes out with the melodic yet crushing " Field Of The Dead Fires", another old school styled piece that contains some delicate acoustic moments and a prog-rock vibe.
It's not often you'll hear a black metal album that sticks to the genre's roots, yet still manages to incorporate acoustic passages, guitar solos, and a progressive edge, but Atmospheric Black certainly does just that. Mighty impressive if you ask me, and I'd certainly be interested in hearing more from this talented duo. Also, kudos to the fold out CD booklet, which is very well done.
Track Listing
01. The Home Among The Stars (9:11)
02. The Way For A Poison (9:17)
03. Back To The Roots (7:06)
04. Isolated (4:33)
05. Field Of The Dead Fires (8:55)
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