🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: The Pyres of Útgarð
Track 2: Ymir Awakens
Track 3: Trolls of Muspel, Trolls of Frost
Track 4: Fire Smoked upon the Wolf’s Back
Track 5: Under Soil
🎸 Album Review:
Album Review: ‘Fire Smoked Upon The Wolf’s Back’ by Útgarðar
Útgarðar, the enigmatic and mystical band hailing from the depths of the Nordic wilderness, have once again unleashed their sonic might upon the world with their latest offering, ‘Fire Smoked Upon The Wolf’s Back’. This five-track opus is a haunting journey through ancient realms, where fire and ice collide, and the spirits of the old gods roam free.
From the opening notes of “The Pyres of Útgarð”, the listener is immediately transported to a world shrouded in darkness and mystery. The haunting chants and thunderous drums create a sense of foreboding, setting the tone for the epic saga that is about to unfold. The band’s signature blend of black metal and folk influences is on full display here, with cascading guitar riffs and atmospheric keyboards weaving a tapestry of sound that is both captivating and chilling.
“Ymir Awakens” continues the journey with its relentless assault of blast beats and razor-sharp guitar work. The song builds to a crescendo of fury, invoking images of primordial chaos and ancient battles. The juxtaposition of aggression and melody is masterfully executed, showcasing the band’s prowess in creating dynamic and immersive music.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Trolls of Muspel, Trolls of Frost”. This epic composition unfolds like a dark fairy tale, with its intricate melodies and haunting vocals painting a vivid picture of warring elemental forces. The interplay between the guitars and keyboards is particularly striking, creating a sense of tension and drama that is both exhilarating and unnerving.
The title track, “Fire Smoked upon the Wolf’s Back”, is a tour de force of atmospheric black metal. The song ebbs and flows like a raging inferno, with cascading riffs and thunderous drums driving the music forward with relentless intensity. The haunting clean vocals that punctuate the track add an otherworldly quality, further enhancing the sense of ancient mysticism that permeates the album.
Closing track “Under Soil” provides a fitting conclusion to the dark journey that Útgarðar has taken us on. The somber melodies and mournful vocals create a sense of melancholy and introspection, offering a moment of respite after the storm of the previous tracks. The song fades into silence, leaving the listener with a sense of awe and reverence for the ancient forces that have been evoked.
In comparison to their previous albums, ‘Fire Smoked Upon The Wolf’s Back’ represents a further refinement and evolution of Útgarðar’s sound. While their earlier works were characterized by raw aggression and primal energy, this album demonstrates a greater depth and complexity in both composition and execution. The band’s ability to create intricate musical landscapes that evoke a sense of ancient mysticism and grandeur is truly impressive, marking them as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of atmospheric black metal.
Overall, ‘Fire Smoked Upon The Wolf’s Back’ is a stunning achievement that solidifies Útgarðar’s place as one of the foremost purveyors of atmospheric black metal. The album is a masterful blend of aggression, melody, and atmosphere, drawing the listener into a dark and mystical world that is as captivating as it is terrifying. With this release, Útgarðar have proven once again that they are a band at the height of their powers, ready to conquer new realms and inspire fear and awe in all who dare to listen.