Description

Black vinyl with gatefold cover and printed innersleeve. Limited 500 copies

Even though they aren’t as well-known as some of their peers, Blodsrit from Vastervik have been amongst the very best of the Swedish Black Metal scene since the release of their third album, 2004’s excellent ‘Helveteshymner’. ‘Hinterland’ marks their fifth full-length since they started of in 1998, and a remarkable departure from the raw sound found on their earlier efforts. Like twice before the cover is adorned with great artwork from Lorenzo Mariani (famous for works for Marduk, Darkthrone, 1349, Thyrfing, Aborym, Mayhem), featuring birds of prey, enchanting women, and images of death, which with its earthly color gives me connotations to shamanism and mythology. The introduction track features a groove-driven bass line and raspy vocals, setting an infernal and apocalyptic mood. Then the title track follows, and surprisingly it sounds more like Enslaved around Below The Lights than the chaotic misanthropy I usually link to Blodsrit. The bass takes on the main role, which is remarkable for such an underground band, while the guitars add melodic and atmospheric layers, and the all too familiar growls become rather anonymous in the mix. It’s comforting to observe that even a little known band like Blodsrit can allow themselves to progress while still maintaining a consistently high quality throughout their career. I would never have expected these guys to feature female vocals (found at the ending of ‘Rasa’), but somehow they make it work without becoming overwrought and boring. Well worth checking out.

Track listing:
1. Intro – Illusion
2. Hinterland
3. Revolutionary Warfare
4. Sverige
5. Serving The Harlot
6. Rasa
7. The Last Moans Of Hope
8. Skymningsdyster
9. Jordisk Dvala Och Andlig Dod
10. Outro – Disillusion