SvH
04-02-2010, 15:51
http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/4728/219264.jpg (http://img535.imageshack.us/i/219264.jpg/)
.....A remarkable tour de force of an album, surely a watermark for which 2009’s albums will be judged. This Icelandic band has pushed black metal beyond its conventions, with progressive song structures, fast, uptempo rhythms, post-rock ambiance and emotional, punk-inspired vocals. The result sounds like a cross between At the Drive In and Sigur Ros, yes a bizarre equation, but an exciting one nonetheless.
Köld is a roller coaster that weaves between caustic metal assaults and moody ambient passages, with each lengthy track cracking with urgency. The effect is absorbing, as the raging vocals ride across climatic, driving musicianship. Whether they are playing instrumental psychedelia (”78 Days in the Desert”) or dramatic metal crescendos (”She Destroys Again”, “Pale Rider”), Sólstafir are thrillingly intense and virtuosic. Everything from the vocals to the grinding riffs are outstanding.
An album with such an impressive variety of sounds and influences, while still maintaining a consistently dark and organic atmosphere, demands immediate attention. Sólstafir’s unique vocals, passionate performances, and raw aggression make them a force to be reckoned with. The first essential album of 2009. ...
"therockblogger.com"
....In fact, if there is a recent album one can draw parallels with Sólstafir's _Köld_, that would be _Vertebrae_ -- but less psychedelic and much more rocking. Opening with the instrumental "78 Days in the Desert", the album instantly engages the listener. Multi-layered guitars, expressive drumming and lots of atmosphere. "Köld" comes next and is one of the best songs of the album. There is so much pathos injected in there, so much energy and emotion over its nine minutes, that it leaves you absolutely stunned and speechless. The vocals are harsh, but sang and not screamed, and are perfectly appropriate for the style. "Pale Rider" and "She Destroys Again" rock your socks off, before "Necrologue" infuses some calm introspection to the album....
"chroniclesofchaos.com"
http://www.myspace.com/solstafir
*όχι λινκς περικαλώ*
.....A remarkable tour de force of an album, surely a watermark for which 2009’s albums will be judged. This Icelandic band has pushed black metal beyond its conventions, with progressive song structures, fast, uptempo rhythms, post-rock ambiance and emotional, punk-inspired vocals. The result sounds like a cross between At the Drive In and Sigur Ros, yes a bizarre equation, but an exciting one nonetheless.
Köld is a roller coaster that weaves between caustic metal assaults and moody ambient passages, with each lengthy track cracking with urgency. The effect is absorbing, as the raging vocals ride across climatic, driving musicianship. Whether they are playing instrumental psychedelia (”78 Days in the Desert”) or dramatic metal crescendos (”She Destroys Again”, “Pale Rider”), Sólstafir are thrillingly intense and virtuosic. Everything from the vocals to the grinding riffs are outstanding.
An album with such an impressive variety of sounds and influences, while still maintaining a consistently dark and organic atmosphere, demands immediate attention. Sólstafir’s unique vocals, passionate performances, and raw aggression make them a force to be reckoned with. The first essential album of 2009. ...
"therockblogger.com"
....In fact, if there is a recent album one can draw parallels with Sólstafir's _Köld_, that would be _Vertebrae_ -- but less psychedelic and much more rocking. Opening with the instrumental "78 Days in the Desert", the album instantly engages the listener. Multi-layered guitars, expressive drumming and lots of atmosphere. "Köld" comes next and is one of the best songs of the album. There is so much pathos injected in there, so much energy and emotion over its nine minutes, that it leaves you absolutely stunned and speechless. The vocals are harsh, but sang and not screamed, and are perfectly appropriate for the style. "Pale Rider" and "She Destroys Again" rock your socks off, before "Necrologue" infuses some calm introspection to the album....
"chroniclesofchaos.com"
http://www.myspace.com/solstafir
*όχι λινκς περικαλώ*