CoC : Sønderfall - Ödeläggelse : Review

Sønderfall - _Ödeläggelse_
(Bleak Cold Productions, 2003)
by: James Montague (7 out of 10)

As a small-time chimp in the reviewing jungle, my mailbox is hardly overburdened with demos and promos from around the world; thus there is still excitement to be had at the receipt of said goods. But it's also fair to say I rarely receive a freebie that goes on to feature in my regular playlist. Enter Sønderfall, an unsigned Swedish pair that have thrown themselves into the global black metal orgy with a unique perspective: the perspective of men who know how to write a catchy tune. I can't remember the last time I saw a black metal recording with so many two to three minute tracks. Not that Sønderfall can't write an epic, atmospheric song: those are the four-minute marathons that pop up from time to time. The duo uses simple but effective techniques to great effect, such as the accelerating drum beat that brings the music to an almighty crescendo. Most songs feature a handful of traditional second-wave tremolo riffs and the occasional thrash chord, tastefully arranged and set against a frantic drumbeat that gets the pulse racing. And that's all you need, really.

Much as Carpathian Forest did in their prime, Sønderfall have created an album that is serious, a little grim, yet still fun to listen to. It's a pity more bands don't realise that you can enjoy your music without compromising the oh-so-important black metal ethos.

Contact: http://www.sonderfall.nu

(article published 25/1/2004)

ALBUMS
13/6/2005	J Montague	6.5	Sønderfall - Schlachtschiff Bismarck