NAGLFAR – “TERAS”
CENTURY MEDIA (2012)
For a band that was first formed back in 1992, Umea-born and bred Melodic Black Metallers Naglfar can hardly be described as a prolific outfit! Maybe it is the result of having suffered numerous line up changes throughout their career that it took eleven whole years for the breakthrough that they were so longing for, when a contract with the German label Century Media was finally signed back in 2003. This collaboration enabled the band to release three good quality studio albums, but after 2007s “Harvest”, the band disappeared once again from the scene. Rumours of a new studio album began circulating since early 2009 but it took a whole two years before the band was able to put the final touches to their latest offering, entitled “Teras”.
Naglfar have always been attracted to all things fast and furious, but, at the same time, they were always possessed by a clear need to exorcise their inner demons through eerie harmonies and rhythmical atmospheric passages –both in the band’s part efforts, as well as in this new nine-track studio album. Thought not the most sonically original of offerings, these nine new compositions are neatly structured, nicely performed and well balanced, thereby guaranteeing an enjoyable experience. Having said that, there are a few moments on the album where I felt frustrated by the lack of what one could describe as a ‘special’ ingredient – something that would help, especially the longest compositions of the album, reach their true potential.
The opening track “Teras” is based on a simple heavy riff and its strength lies in the choral vocals parts and dream-like background keyboard melodies, adding much atmosphere – quite different from the bombastic blast beats and harsh vocals which characterise the three and a half minute “Pale Horse” which soon follows suit. Much more varied and filled with a few catchy melodies and a flamboyant guitar solo, “II Death Dimension Phantasma” nicely paves the way for the Bathory-inspired epic tunes of “The Monolith” – a six and a half minute track, whose repetitive lead harmonies and dark commanding theme are second to none. In “An Extension Of His Arm And Will” and “Come Perdition” we have two up-tempo compositions with Thrashy riffs, while the massive riffs of “Bring Out Your Dead” look towards classic 80s Heavy Metal for inspiration. “Invoc(H)ate is another fast belter filled with blast beats and simple and repetitive riffs, while the eight-minute “The Dying Flame Of Existence” sounds quite promising during the first couple of minutes, but sadly descends into something uninspiring and predictable.
When I think of “Teras” I think of a Black Metal album that may not be particularly ground-breaking or unique but which, at the same time, is nicely varied, well balanced and fairly enjoyable to listen to. I am not quite sure what it is that the fans of Naglfar expected the band to produce after a five year break but I am sure that the nine compositions on offer will help the band gradually re-instate themselves as a strong and challenging member of the ever expanding Black Metal scene, which they still seem so eager to serve. Welcome back, guys!
John Stefanis
Rating: ***1/2 (3.5/5.0)
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