Jotunspor - Gleipnirs Smeder
March 20 2008 at 11:41:52 PM
Having been approached by Cold Spring Records in 2005, Ex-Gorgoroth members Tom Visnes (King) and Einer Selvin (Kvitrafn) formed Jotunspor, a semi-experimental project which delivers the niche sentiment common to the duo's recent outings together (Audrey Horne, Sahg) while comfortably book-ending their Black Metal career. Gleipnirs Smeider—translated as "The Forgers of Gleipner" a reference to the silken leash that binds the Fenrir wolf of Norse mythology, the breaking of which signals the first events of Ragnarök—delves into Norwegian heritage in no unique way, divided among celebrant permutations of Norse Arisk Black Metal, marshal industrial rhythm and folk elements that recall Enslaved's more glorious moments (completed entirely in the group's native tongue). The album's lack of surprise is balanced by its sincere adaptation of themes. Blacksmithing rhythm loops beckon chord clusters that resound and trail like glowing embers in the darkness; samples howl and chill, the vocals split between burning rasps and artificial harmonics—an unfortunate and amateurish choice. The album falls short mainly within the electronic field, its dullest moment being a seven minute ambient piece that neither builds to nor connects anything else on disc. The rest may feel rushed and regressive (all written in the studio), but unevenness is still more than can be said about their peers in Gorgoroth. Indeed, it is a sad spirit that characterizes these better efforts as only mildly stirring that feral nature—the solar mysteries, the myths of men. The wolf still hungers, and once again tilts his head toward the night-sky.
[Todd DePalma]
Jotunspor
Gleipnirs Smeder
2006
Candlelight
http://www.candlelightrecordsusa.com
1.jpg "Label Profile: The Ajna Offensive")
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