Comus

Young, innovative and full of energy, is one way to describe Lars Jensen’s brilliant solo debut. Finished off with the help of some other notable names in the current Norwegian metal scene this album shows maturity beyond its years. The guitars are far more powerful than in a standard black metal album, and the melodies can often be described as insanely catchy. You’ll instantly fall in love with some parts of this album, the first female speaking vocals in Gygra & St. Olav is a certain favourite. Fela Etter’n Far is very reminiscent of early Moonsorrow with a very epic feel to it while still incorporating the traditional folk rhythms and melodies.


The whole album comes off as incredible accessible, in a good way, not in the Dimmu Borgir way, but in a way that you could see how anyone could, given time, appreciate it. The album is never overly abrasive for the sake of it, and it certainly pays off for the listener. The guitars in this album are a joy to behold, especially the range of the playing is intriguing. A lot of the passages can be described as incredibly progressive, with a hint of tribute to some of the other Viking metal greats, such as the aforementioned Moonsorrow, Enslaved and Bathory.

Despite similarities the whole tone of the album, as shown best on Tre skygger tel kølbrennern kom, it’s very jangly, very happy and upbeat and it’s not taking itself overly seriously. The whole organic feel of the album adds so many more avenues of experimentation and listener enjoyment. You never quite feel like you’re listening to something that’s been produced and packaged as music, it always feels like a small journey into someone’s mind. The only thing this album is missing a 15 minute epic, Myrkgrav would be the perfect band for it, given Jensen’s penchant for creating the “epic” feel.


One thing I have yet to comment on is the atmosphere of the album, which for a Norwegian metal album is pretty damn crucial. The reason I put it off until the end of the review is because it is so very important to the overall sound of this release. The songs run very well and don’t break the feel that’s trying to be created and that’s a huge bonus. The whole soundscape manages to set the imagination free and it’s absolutely liberating to just sick back and listen to this album just do its thing. The whole folk oriented sound really throws you back and without using too many cliché’s it really feels like you’re back there with the raping, plundering and ingenious farming of the Vikings. Well not so much the raping and plundering and more the farming and enjoying the nature and society.

Overall the album flows well, sounds good and is different enough to not feel stale. All it needs is some recognition.

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last.fm