As the black metal scene blossomed in the 90s like the noxious weed that it is, many bands rose to prominence, while others acted more as filler material. Many of these lesser noticed bands were in that position for obvious reasons: they just weren't all that good. However, a few quality bands managed to escape the ears of the record buying public. One such band is Kampfar, a Norwegian black metal band that offered up a more nature oriented Viking/Pagan/Glacier sort of thing. Rather than doll themselves up in the facepaint and funny bondage outfits, Kampfar instead gave us frozen Norse tundra images to digest while listening to their music.

Kampfar's musical menu isn't particularly complicated. The songs may be long-ish, but they are arranged quite well. The vocals are the basic black metal style, with the occasional Monks In Black Leather choirs providing clean backing chants. The songs stick to fast paced guitar riffing. None of this exactly sounds like it redefines black metal, but it really wasn't meant to in the first place. Rather, Mellom Skogkledde Aaser just tends to be pretty good throughout. It might remind some of early Falkenbach without the array of folk tendencies or perhaps a trim n' slim Enslaved. But note I said "might". Listener impressions often vary.

While no new mousetraps are constructed by Kampfar, it does stand as a very good entry into the uncontroversial segment of black metal that developed in the mid 90s. Mellom Skogkledde Aaser is a very solid debut that is recommended for those who wish to dig a bit deeper into the Norwegian black metal scene.

Review by John Chedsey

Review date: 01/2010

Back to top