CoC : Vardlokkur - Fragmenteret Okkult Bespottelse : Review

Vardlokkur - _Fragmenteret Okkult Bespottelse_
(Det Germanske Folket, 2008)
by: Quentin Kalis (7 out of 10)

I didn't appreciate Vardlokkur's previous release, _Med Doden Til Folge_, which was really just a teaser for this, their debut full-length. Part of the problem was the insubstantial sound that was more tinny than raw. The production has improved considerably and I have since started to appreciate this band. It has not improved that much -- sufficient for it to match their rendition of raw, cold and mesmerizing Norse black metal. Apart from the improved sound, there is little to separate this from _MDTF_, although it may be that the songwriting has improved as well. They are often described as "pagan", but this purely in reference to mindset and lyrics, with nary a folk melody or flute in sight. This is an outlook they share (as well as members) with fellow Danes Angantyr and Orlog, which is a good thing: as much as I like folk metal, too many have been crawling out from under various rocks in 2008 and a pagan-themed album without beerhall riffs or whistle is refreshing. Even if the preferred style is well established, they do it well; perhaps I'm biased, but I can always appreciate a decent rendition of this classic sound.

Contact: http://www.vardlokkur.com

(article published 21/4/2009)

ALBUMS
31/12/2007	Q Kalis	6.5	Vardlokkur - Med Doden Til Folge