Dødheimsgard Returns with Introspective and Brutal “Black Medium Current”

Norwegian avant-garde metal outfit Dødheimsgard, or DHG for short, unleashed their sixth studio album, “Black Medium Current,” upon the world on April 14, 2023, via Peaceville Records. This offering marks a continuation of the band’s exploration into the extreme fringes of metal, weaving together elements of black metal, progressive metal, and even post-metal into a cohesive and emotionally resonant soundscape.

While DHG has always been known for their genre-bending experimentation, “Black Medium Current” seems to take a slightly different approach. Reviews suggest a toning down of the band’s previous “wackiness” in favor of a more focused exploration of themes like dysphoria and melancholy [Angry Metal Guy]. This newfound focus on atmosphere doesn’t come at the expense of the band’s signature abrasiveness, however. The album is described as effectively using dissonance and contrasting it with moments of melodic beauty to create a powerful sense of unease and emotional turmoil [Angry Metal Guy].

One of the album’s strengths lies in its masterful flow and sense of cohesion. Tracks seamlessly shift tempos and styles, yet everything feels purposeful and contributes to the overall emotional journey [Angry Metal Guy]. The opening track, “Et Smelter,” exemplifies this perfectly, starting with a soft and almost melancholic introduction before exploding into a full-blown display of DHG’s sonic brutality in the final act [Angry Metal Guy].

Although details about the album’s lyrical themes are scarce, the band itself describes it as “a journey through the boundless layers of existence” [Peaceville]. This introspective approach is further reflected in the single “Abyss Perihelion Transit,” a ten-minute epic that delves into the concept of epistemological dualism through a blend of extreme metal subgenres [Peaceville].

“Black Medium Current” is an album that rewards dedicated listeners. While its challenging nature might not appeal to everyone, those willing to delve into its depths will be rewarded with a powerful and emotionally charged experience.