Vreid

I Krig

Indie Recordings 2007

I have always sort of had a special place in my heart for Norway’s Vreid and it has nothing to do with their Windir roots like so many of their fans.  I have always just found them so enjoyable in their own Black N Roll sort of way.  With such a firm foundation established I was prepared to like I Krig but I was not prepared for how blown away I would actually be.  Finally all the elements have come together in a perfect mesh of metal and folk with other experimental odysseys that are both adventurous and focused at the same time.  For instance, Millom Hav Og Fjell surges with triumph from its opening folk chants and transitions to melodic black metal riffing of epic majesty.  And I am transfixed by the cymbal ride that they combined with that chugging single guitar in the middle of Under Isen.  The title track’s first 2 minutes is a perfect example of how they have broadened their horizons while maintaining their original focus as it starts with some somber violin which then dissolves to reveal some killer acoustic guitar work and a confident and meaty bass line then finally bursts into a headlong charge of Violent black metal!  The production also finally does the music supreme justice as it is razor sharp and crisp and all the instruments each have their right levels in the mix.  Sture’s vocals deftly cover the whole spectrum, from spoken word (Vaepna Lengsel), black metal acidity (I Krig) and clean soaring vocals (Millom Hav Og Fjell).  One thing that has always made Vreid stand out is their use of the bass guitar with it achieving a fairly prominent role.  I am a sucker for black metal band that know how to use the bass guitar and Hvall plays effective and engaging bass lines that give structure and depth to each track and he also knows not to over complicate the compositions with unwarranted complexity.  With I Krig, Vreid have reached a new level of maturity with their songwriting craft.  The inescapably addictive qualities of each song such as the catchy melodic riffing of Svart or the infectious keyboard passages in the chorus of the title track make I Krig a true testament to modern Norwegian black metal as well as an unconquerable bastion where the roots of traditional black metal reside and its folk roots breed new offspring of horrific proportions.  I firmly feel that this album will take them to the next level and their perseverance will finally be rewarded with broad recognition.