ALBUM REVIEW: Algleymi – Misþyrming

Of all the regional black metal scenes, Iceland’s seems to be getting the most attention at the moment – and for good reason. With the likes of SVARTIDAUÐI and SINMARA releasing absolutely incredible albums in the last six months (read our reviews here and here, respectively), the scene is stronger than ever and finally enjoying the worldwide attention it deserves. Not content to be left behind as the glacier of Icelandic darkness moves ever onward, MISÞYRMING have just released the follow up to their critically acclaimed debut Söngvar elds og óreiðu, Algleymi. Is this a continuation of sheer excellence from Iceland, or is this the first sign that the Icelandic black metal bubble is about to burst?

The long awaited second album from MISÞYRMING wastes absolutely no time in proving the band are back with a vengeance. Throughout Algleymi MISÞYRMING showcase a huge maturity and evolution from their debut: the dissonant chaos has been reigned in considerably, still present, but more focused and refined with a healthy does of MGŁA-inspired melody; the ambience has become far more subtle, creating a soundscape to wash over the listener rather than overwhelm them; and the execution is second to none.

Algleymi opens strong with Orgia, immediately driving home the melodic black metal riffing while the keys are sparsely used, creating a subtle atmosphere. Með svipur á lofti continues in the same vein, bringing the melody in bountiful doses and doubling down on the dark, melancholic atmosphere created by Orgia. Where Orgia and Með svipur á lofti were furious, high pctane blasts of modern black metal, Ísland, steingelda krummaskuð is a far groovier offering. Taking a more traditional rock beat over the endless blasting black metal is known for, Ísland, steingelda krummaskuð stomps its way forward, venturing into more black and roll territory than what MISÞYRMING are typically associated with. Bringing Side A of Algleymi to a close is the short interlude Hælið. Haunting, tranquil and deeply sombre, Hælið offers a brief moment of peace – though that peace comes drenched in misery – before diving into the second half of the album.

Og er haustið líður undir lok starts Algleymi‘s Side B, returning to the DARKTHRONE-esque black-metal-meets-traditional-metal-meets-rock-and-roll styling of Ísland, steingelda krummaskuð. Like Ísland, steingelda krummaskuð, Og er haustið líður undir lok feels far more restrained in comparison to the refined chaos that makes up much of the album, but it is equally unsettling. Having exorcised the rock and roll influences from their system, MISÞYRMING hit back hard with the truly brutalising Allt sem eitt sinn blómstraði. Though some of the simpler beats and drum patterns are retained, Allt sem eitt sinn blómstraði is raw, dark, and brimming with rage. The wonderful duo of Alsæla and Algleymi‘s title track – suitably translated to “Ecstasy” and “Oblivion” – bring the album to a thunderous close, proving to be two of the highlight moments on the record.

Algleymi stands as further proof that the Icelandic black metal scene is a seemingly endless pool of talent and creative brilliance. A maelstrom of darkness, melancholy and pure hatred, MISÞYRMING have delivered a more than worthy successor to Söngvar elds og óreiðu, and it was well worth the wait. As if there was any doubting them as forerunners in the movement, Algleymi dashes these thoughts to nothing, and reaffirms MISÞYRMING‘s place as not only once of the most important members of the Icelandic black metal scene, but one of the strongest modern black metal bands in the world. Let MISÞYRMING take you on a journey of ecstasy and oblivion – you will not be disappointed.

Rating: 9/10

Algleymi is out now via Norma Evangelium Diaboli.

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