By Phil Cooper
Kvaen represents the solo outlet for Swedish musician Jakob Björnfot. The multi-instrumentalist and songwriter has looked to fuse elements of black and speed metal with pagan and Viking influences. The result is the debut eight track release ‘The Funeral Pyre’. While Björnfot is responsible for the majority of the instruments on the record as well as the lyrics, he has also drafted in a host of other musicians to flesh out the sound and achieve the end result.
From the outset the sound of Kvaen is established. Dark, heavy and uncompromising. The punishing opener ‘Revenge by Fire’ grabs the listeners ears and introduces them to all of the elements that Björnfot is hoping to realise. The brutal speed of the track is matched only by the guttural vocal delivery providing a powerful opener. While the main elements of both Black and Speed metal are clearly illustrated and impossible to overlook. There is more layered within the construction of the music. Well executed guitar lead lines provide engaging melodies and hook lines to further grab the listeners attention.
For me, one of the main standout moments on the album comes early on with the title track. After a simple, reverb washed guitar intro, the texture slowly builds with the addition of more guitar layers and percussion before a furious tremolo picked guitar lead sweeps in. The track then picks up a furious pace driving forward, propelled by the pounding bass and drums with an attacking guitar line in charge. The dynamics shift down a gear until the vocals kick in reenergizing the pace and brutality of the track. While it initially appears as a sledgehammer of rapid-fire black metal, the layered melodic elements and shifting dynamics allow for something different to be heard each time as it continues to engage the listener from start to finish.
Within only a short track listing, there is a lot packed into this album. Not only is the music of a high-quality, mixing in the elements already mentioned. The production is of a great standard too. It enables all of the elements and instruments to be clearly identified and forms an integral part of the music delivery. While there is the unrelenting power and aggression lacing every track there is an overlaying melodic/symphonic edge that is highlighted by the effects used and mixing techniques.
The wall of sound presented is brutal but has subtlety. Evidence of this can be found on tracks such as ‘Septum Peccata Mortalia’, ‘As We Serve The Masters Plan’ and closing track ‘Hymn to Kvenland’, all of which, combined with the other tracks on offer, showcase the power of the music as well as the song writing talent of Björnfot, not to mention the other talented musicians he has recruited.
For fans of black metal and those familiar already with Björnfot’s work, this album will surely go down a treat. For those looking to branch out their listening into something heavier than normal then ‘The Funeral Pyre’ has that base covered too. A massive sound, raw power and aggression mixed with great musicianship and song-writing.
- ‘The Funeral Pyre’ is released on 28 February. You can get your copy HERE.
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