EP REVIEW: Norna/Legbiter – Norna/Legbiter
The split EP: an artefact of an era of music before digital distribution, when bands would combine their music onto a single release to cut costs and cross-pollinate fandoms. The economics may look different in the modern age, but there’s something romantic about the format, especially in this instance. Both NORNA and LEGBITER have roots in the Swedish hardcore scene, dating back to the 90s; effectively modern-day supergroups in heavier metal and hardcore niches. Both bands contribute three songs apiece to this self-titled split EP that encapsulates their similarities whilst allowing their individual distinctiveness to shine.
NORNA may be the more established act, with two albums, including their self-titled 2024 effort, under their belts, plus the pedigree of vocalist and guitarist Tomas Liljedahl of BREACH. By contrast, this is the first LEGBITER release in nearly a decade, and will be the first exposure for many to the smörgåsbord of doom, noise, and shoegaze in their sound. Opener Worms finds a crunchy riff built from overlayed distorted guitars, taking on a sludgy pace. Its chorus is a more widescreen affair, pulling on modern shoegaze with clustered chords and reverb-laden clean vocals. Yet LEGBITER remain direct and sharp in their riffs and dynamics, never falling into a blurry gauze.
Much of the energy across the whole EP has gone into the guitar tones, which dominate the soundscape. Speedball sees LEGBITER switch between thumping detuned riffs and tense, angular dissonance in higher registers, calling to mind POISON THE WELL. The cleaner vocal drawl sits across both palettes, an insistent and cutting presence. Major Motion follows the same patterns, spending more time on a slow instrumental ramp-up before letting loose. Sadly, the rest of the instrumentation doesn’t match the vibrancy of the guitars. The drums, in particular, lack the same energy and variety outside the closing moments of Major Motion.
The second half sees NORNA bring a doomier, grittier set of textures; the guitars and production a little fuzzier, the tempos slower, and Liljedahl‘s vocals bursting through as abrasive roars. The songs here are shorter and tighter than the sprawls on their self-titled album, and make a great complement to LEGBITER. There’s a serious heft to their first track Lithany – and indeed all three tracks feel a touch more confident in their patience, their willingness to let a moment breathe.
Closing track Serpents of Gold brings a sense of claustrophobia with its detuned guitars, the transition riffs reminiscent of BOSSK, but with the blues crunch replaced by dissonance. But the standout track is Eyes of God: luxuriating in menacing guitar lines and the tension of its instrumentation. Subtle sound design elements such as a background flanger effect give great mileage here, as does a very simple lead line in its outro, which, coupled with those blistering vocal roars, heralds a huge ending to a six-minute epic.
As a pairing of two bands, Norna/Legbiter is a well-balanced EP: there’s enough overlap to avoid whiplash, but enough distinction to keep the record fresh. Pummelling detuned guitar riffs are the common thread here, whether in the direct yet shoegaze inflected flavour of LEGBITER or the doomy post-metal of NORNA. A casual listen may struggle to distinguish between songs on each side, and the more established NORNA provide a stronger second half. But it’s likely each listener will have their own favourite side, and a fair few will come away as new fans of both bands – exactly what a good split EP should achieve.
Rating: 7/10
Norna/Legbiter is set for release on March 20th via Pelagic Records.