ALBUM REVIEW: Monolitt – Mork
Much like fine wine, MORK have improved with age. Balancing ancient black metal traditions with fresh ideas, their sound has continued to be refined without losing the darkness and authenticity that have defined them since 2004. Their latest release, Monolitt, feels both familiar and refreshed, building on the strengths that have made MORK such a compelling force in the modern black metal scene.
Following the success of Syv in 2024, which saw the band touring throughout the Far East and Australia, Monolitt marks another step forward for MORK mastermind Thomas Eriksen, this time joined by Asgeir Mickelson on drums and guest vocalists. Rather than resting on this success, MORK continue to push their horizons while remaining firmly rooted in the black metal sphere. Each track may be carved from the same blackened stone, but explores different paths through crushing 90s sensibilities, atmospheric darkness, and flashes of the band’s notable black ‘n’ roll sound.
The most immediate difference lies in the production. The record is still unmistakably MORK – moody, melancholic, and steeped in tradition – but Monolitt carries itself differently. While it still retains the feeling that it was conjured deep within a freezing forest, the record has evidently been carefully sculpted in the studio. This refinement does come with an unfortunate trade-off and sacrifices some of the bleakness that defined the rawer sound of MORK’s earlier releases.
Monolitt’s opening track, Under Vekten Av Verden, captures the essence of classic Norwegian black metal, with harmonious melodies that pay homage to the genre’s greats. Standout track, Ødelagt takes a slightly different route delivering one the albums most complex compositions. Roaring drumwork and soaring riffs are expertly contrasted by lower, suffering passages dripping with pure malevolence. Moody, thick and oppressive, it encapsulates everything that makes black metal so captivating. Meanwhile, Jutul storms the gates from its opening seconds, unleashing a torrent of speed, grit and intensity.
The less predictable moments on Monolitt are equally as captivating. Torden feels entirely different from anything surrounding it, embracing uplifting melodies and unusual cleanliness, yet still maintaining the weight and power expected of MORK. Then comes album closer Utryddelse, which arrives with a cinematic introduction before unleashing cathartic guitars and attacking riffs. It ties the record together perfectly, finishing with a brain-melting riff that lingers long after the album closes.
What remains most impressive is Eriksen‘s relentless creativity. Over the past decade, MORK’s sound has continued to evolve, without ever losing a drop of the band’s identity. The qualities that have made every MORK release so compelling are as present on Monolitt as ever, giving this album the same lasting pull as its predecessors. Its release may feel slightly at odds with the looming summer sunshine, but as darker nights creep back in, Monolitt will feel right at home.
Rating: 8/10
Monolitt is out now via Peaceville Records.
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