Gjendød - Angrep

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During the early days of the Norwegian Black Metal scene, the attentions of the fans were mainly polarized between the cities of Oslo and Bergen, due the strength of names as MAYHEM, BURZUM, SATYRICON, IMMORTAL and others. Obviously it doesn’t’ mean that all good and great names from those days were based solely on both cities (EMPEROR wasn’t based on both cities, nor ENSLAVED or GEHENNA), but the eyes (and ears) were fixed on them. But Trondheim has a strong tradition as well, especially due the presence of the mighty KEEP OF KALESSIN. But in the underground scene of the cities, some names appear as well, as from the duet GJENDØD, as can be heard on “Angrep”.

They can be labeled as a traditional Norwegian Black Metal band, drinking inspiration from the same profane source that gave birth to MAYHEM and DARKTHRONE, playing fast, aggressive and crude, without caring for the musical convictions of the listeners. And although the band has a prolific discography (with many Demos, Compilations and EPs), their music still needs a bit more maturing, because it sounds like an option for the fans that aren’t satisfied with the ancient band’s actual ways, and their musical talent and potential are far greater than is shown on this album. It’s good, but they’re in the mean of many others names (even having talent to be an outstanding name).

The sonority of “Angrep” is like expected from an Old School Black Metal band in such way: filthy and crude, with those simple (and nasty) instrumental tunes. Of course, the formula still works, and to their music, something cleaner or better wouldn’t fit as good as this one (but it could have been done in a better way). Eight Old School Black Metal songs are waiting for the fans, and their appeal is clear on songs as “Vår Lykke Er Vårt Hat” (fine riffs, with nasty guitar solos), “I Et Hus Uten Speil” (another fast and furious songs with very good guitars), the morbid and subjective melodic appeal of “Fra En Annen Side”, and the smashing bones weight of “Angrip” are the best ones. But the aura of their influences is so evident, so they need to work a bit more.

GJENDØD has potential to be great and outstanding in the future, but they must deal with their talent in a better way than is shown on “Angrep”. If not, they’re risking themselves to a life of comparisons with the Norwegian Black Metal ancients, and no one deserves such a thing.

Songwriting: 7
Musicianship: 7
Memorability: 6
Production: 6