Right from the start, I’ll be very brief and clear – if you already know the band and you’re expecting the traditional Trelldom sound of over a decade ago on their upcoming album “...by the Shadows...”, there’s probably no point in reading onwards. But if you like quality music and are not afraid of alluring avant-garde metal, then we can talk a little bit more.
Trelldom’s fourth full-length album is a work of Art in which
Kristian Eivind Espedal changes many of the band’s long-established
traditions, and in fact, most of the tracks were created by the
band’s bassist and important part of the core Sir, who this year
also took over the guitar duties. Behind the drums is Kenneth
Kapstad, who you may know from THORNS, and as an additional
surprise, the album also features jazz musician and well-known
saxophonist Kjetil Møster from RÖYKSOPP.
With the help of the collaborations in question and all of
his new creative ideas, the musician managed to create an
album that goes beyond the boundaries of black metal (or any other)
genre, but continues to be dark, melancholic and hauntingly
beautiful in terms of sound. There are artists who refuse to limit
and sacrifice their transformations and ideas in order to
please the world around them and in this particular
case, the new transcendental intentions of Trelldom are
definitely worth hearing and experiencing exactly as they are.
The album opens with the progressive and psychedelic track “The Voice of What Whispers”, in which Espedal ‘s deep voice floats among a féerie of psychedelic sounds – including electronic synth melodies interwoven with fast blasts and energetic guitars. In places where archaic whispers and heavier psychedelic and invasive instrumentals intervene, I draw parallels with the music of Blut Aus Nord and some fascinating odyssey of unknown ethereal incorporeal beings. Combined with the gothic rock/post-punk instrumentals and Espedal’s vocals, the track goes into completely different, yet highly impactful territories in terms of sound. The atmosphere in this song for me was the so called ‘aha moment’ of realisation that I was about to experience something uncommon, but extremely pleasant and captivating.
Each of the following tracks on the album continues to haunt you more and more and brings surprises to the table with its distinctive elements. “Exit Existence”‘s saxophone melodies and artistic vocals – in places with a dark wave tinge and in others – sounding like part of a horror scene, followed briefly by a beautiful black metal instrumental, are just a small part of what you’ll hear during the 40 minutes of “...by the Shadows...”. It’s definitely not the more classic black metal sound you’re used to hearing from the band, but there’s no denying that this is beautifully composed music, coming with its noir charm.
These elements are also present in the next chapters of the album, with the song “Between the World” being an extremely soulful track that can be felt as a dark and mesmerizing dance between two lovers. A smooth and commanding song, it soon gives way with its slow tempo to the fast-paced “I Drink out of My Head”, giving me very beautiful post-punk/goth rock vibes, reminding me a lot of the work of Bauhaus and Peter Murphy, and also of my favorite Modern Eon, moving towards the finale in a psychedelic jazz whirlwind that is something like the silver lining in the album. With that being said, I don’t think there will be a single second where the listener gets bored and their attention drifts away from the atmosphere of “...by the Shadows...” as in the title and final track we become part of a chillingly eerie, tortured soundscape, ending with fading ambient noise dissolving into silence.
“...by the Shadows...” is an unconventional, avant-garde, sensual and provoking album. Listening , you undoubtedly pass into the intoxicating atmosphere of a smoky cult bar, as it existed until the not-so-distant past. Its atmosphere is passionate, dynamic, challenges your senses and at some point you just feel the rhythm of the whole work inside of your soul. Leave your prejudices aside and enjoy the extraordinary new offspring of Trelldom.
Favorite songs : “The Voice of What Whispers”, “Between the World”
Today the band is premiering the track “The Voice of
What Whispers”, you can listen to it below:
You can also recall the previously revealed tracks
“Between the World” & “Exit Existence”:
Band: Trelldom
Album: “...by the Shadows...”
Release Date: September 13th, 2024
Label: Prophecy Productions
Pre-order : http://lnk.spkr.media/trelldom-shadows
Mother of THE VOID.
Underground music is the ultimate weapon against mediocrity.
