ALBUM REVIEW: Enevelde – Enevelde

ENEVELDE is the new solo project by B. Kråbøl, vocalist with Trondheim, Norway’s MISOTHEIST, an obscure and anonymous band who released their self-titled debut in 2018. On this occasion, the sole member wrote, performed and produced all the music and vocals, featuring guest appearances by members of WHOREDOM RIFE (vocals on Track 2) and MARE (lead guitar on Track 4). With four pieces spanning a total of 40 minutes, and with all titles – and presumably lyrics – in Norwegian, this is a bold and adventurous release. The Terratur Possessions seal of approval and beautifully dark and dramatic artwork complete the package.

While MISOTHEIST basked in a muffled and grim production, Enevelde goes for a much louder and clearer sound. Opener Kroppens Mani goes straight for the jugular, relying on treble-heavy guitars and audible bass to set the backdrop for B. Kråbøl’s deep roar. Tremolos and power chords combine to break up the flow and take the listener through a variety of different soundscapes, from dissonant and aggressive to melodic in what makes for a gripping and powerful start to the album.

Forringelse kicks off at a contemplative pace, as B. Kråbøl makes full use of the expanded track lengths to gradually build up the atmosphere. In a similar way to MGŁA, the guitars occasionally hold the rhythm while the drums, and more specifically the bass drums, add the spice and variety. A totally mid-paced number, this one offers less surprises than the previous composition but successfully channels the hypnotic vibe it aims for before the bass makes an interesting appearance. By this point, one feels that a couple of minutes could have been chopped off the end, although this is by no means BURZUM-level repetition.

Irrgangen features one T. Kråbøl on drums, possibly a relative or a RAMONES-style pseudonym, and the difference is evident. This is a much faster and blast-happy composition, with the percussion remaining at the forefront throughout the runtime. A heavier use of cymbals and a multitude of rolls and fills elicit the question of how the whole album would have sounded with this musician, obviously a much more experienced and confident drummer, on the stool. While the rest of the record includes perfectly serviceable percussion, much like TOXIC HOLOCAUST, this track shows what a huge difference a skilful drummer can make.

Closer Daukjøttet gets off to a cracking start, with our man apparently taking some lessons from T. Kråbøl in the speed and stamina department, blasting steadily through the first four minutes before dropping into a mid-paced march and back again without missing a beat.

Despite dragging slightly towards the end of the second track, this is generally a compact release that doesn’t outstay its welcome and features just enough variety to keep the listener’s attention throughout, without ever sacrificing the atmosphere. An interesting project and no doubt one to keep an eye on, perhaps the addition of a full-time drummer would help elevate this even further.

Rating: 7/10

Enevelde is out now via Terratur Possessions.