Svartahrid - Malicious Pride (Soulseller Records) - Back
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the style at which this Norwegian trio plays. Evil, mid-paced, black god-forsaken metal!! Svartahrid consists of founding members Istar (vocals, guitar) and Forn (drums), both formerly of fellow Norwegian band, Mactätus. Of course, also consisting of new bassist, NidGrim! Malicious Pride is the band’s 4th full-length and contains 10 songs of the utmost hatred you will find next to Marduk. Personally, they remind me of something in the range of Ancient, Windir and older-Emperor. A very good combination for this style! There are some muted guitar chords in here, but they're mostly all fast and un-muted bass & guitar chords. The drumming is fast to mid-paced, the vocals are grim and the keyboards are sparse, but fit in well where they show up. What can I say? This is a very old-school, almost thrashy style of black metal. Most bands are not doing this anymore, but I wish more of them would. Svartahrid are a very refreshing listen.

Rating:
81

Reviewed By: Thomas Mitchell