Malicious Pride is pure black Norwegian mountain metal!
Atmosphere is all in this genre and Svartahrid accomplishes something
truly unique unto themselves with this release by creating cold
soundscapes that give a sense of the overwelming vastness of Norway's
wilderness in all her eerie beauty. With none to minimal effects,
the track 'Sons of Mine' captures the essence of frost laden mountain
peaks, wild gusts of wind, devastating avalanches and desolation as
far as the eye can see. Istar's presence is as terrifying as his
amazing vocal performance on this masterwork. At times he sounds like
a sky god in midflight roaring down from Valhalla spewing the hate of
the nine worlds upon the holy, while at other times cackling like
a heathen shaman possessed.

 

Brave and defiant they call out to the Sigfader from the edge of a
precipitous cliff. In dawn they awaken bloodied with godsight
frozen in time, imprinted forever in the memory of 'Sons of Mine'.
In a storm, they summon the winds to ride back down with a battlecry
'Death To All!' resume the war against the invaders and the traitors
of the light. An old warrior travels weary yet still shining with
'Malicious Pride' warns of the perils along the road as he
vanishes between the worlds. Deep in the darkest forest a fire
burns within a circle of "The Coven' in secret sacrifice.
'Hellbound' awaiting to return in flesh yet drawn into the path of
fire. An ignorant faith awaits their fate only to be 'Kvestet til
døde'. No pearly gates, only clouds of 'Freezing Sorrow'
and the grey mists of  'Nivlheim'. Life is but a dream, only death is
for certain, 'Scorched' by the black flame in a moment of truth.
'Likbaal' shall burn til the end of time.

 

Highly recommended to all listeners of black metal, especially
those interested in experiencing the atmospheres of the nordic
realms. This release is basically raw classic Norwegian black
metal with keyboards on only two tracks in which they well suit the
overall ambience. Istar and Forn began playing together in '91
which explains the authentic nineties style resonating throughout.
Lyrics are mostly inspired by the Norse path with just two tracks
that may be interpreted as an eclectic mix of other pagan themes.
Guitar riffs are strong yet unpretentious and drums are killer.

 

Finn Tore Kjaersgaard/Istar: guitar and vocals
Runar Bratsberg/Forn: drums, synth and guitar
Stig York/Nidgrim: bass

 

1. Sons of Mine
2. Death to All!
3. Malicious Pride
4. The Coven
5. Hellbound
6. Kvestet til døde
7. Freezing Sorrow
8. Nivlheim
9. Scorched
10. Likbaal

http://www.myspace.com/svartahrid
http://www.myspace.com/soulsellerrecords