As many of you already know, Nietzsche is not an uncommon subject for metal—specifically black metal. The UK’s newest addition to the black metal scene, Svartfjell, focuses highly on this philosophy source for their debut record, I, the Destroyer. This album uses Nietzsche’s “The Will to Power” concept to provide a journey of self-betterment. Beginning by destroying the unsavory elements of one’s life, the album guides the listener through a journey of enlightenment in hopes that the result is self-fulfillment and blissful egoism. On paper, this is a fitting concept for a black metal outfit, especially for this project whose sole member appears to be a practitioner and evangelist of this kind of thinking. After the initial destruction of one’s previous life, the album’s eight tracks follow a process of rebirth, providing moments of recollection to understand what was left behind in favor of this new existence. But, drawings on paper only go so far. Execution can make or break an album of this caliber. So, will this theme materialize with matching songwriting, flow, and album structure?
Shrouded in mystery, the only concrete evidence I can find that Svartfjell is real and not a figment of my imagination is that its only member goes by the name of Hearne. While providing typical guitar, bass, and drum contributions, Hearne also incorporates a range of vocal approaches and even some keys. From black metal rasps to death growls and pained screams, I, the Destroyer has a rich variation that lends well to the songwriting—not to mention the skills this gent has on the album’s crucial instruments. Not the kind to slap away on the snare as olde purveyors of the style, Svartfjell’s drumming style is aggressive and powerful, rising to the surface to lend heft to the crushing riffs. The guitar work is also quite impressive for this style of metal. Soaring solos and intricate leads create a blanket over the splashes of headbangable riffage that range from black to death. The variation on I, the Destroyer is satisfying as hell and guides the Will to Power theme quite well.
I, The Destroyer by Svartfjell
The title track “I, The Destroyer” kicks the album off in a fucking hurry, providing the correct amount of oomph and angst for the first stage of your re-enlightenment. Opening with some vicious black metal tremolos and pounding drums, the song ventures into the first of many instances of melodic atmoblack before it explodes into a killer riff that hints at what’s to come. Throughout, the drums lay a perfect foundation for the riff and mood changes, letting the guitars meander and flow as the vocals begin to layer in various ways. Hell, even the bass surfaces, adding a somber mood to the melodic passages. Like many of the album’s tracks, “I, The Destroyer” is a grower that continues to scale the fiery pit until the bitter end. The follow-up track begins Part I of the “Will to Power” trilogy. Starting with some dissonant sustains and galloping drum work akin to Old Man’s Child, the song morphs into second-wave elements that bring to mind Gorgoroth. The riff changes continue, alternating the mood from pure aggression to melodic beauty. With each build comes a new reset that brings new and reimagined riffs that push the song to its climactic conclusion.
While there are plenty of great tracks to talk about on I, the Destroyer (like the death-riddled “Black Mountain”1 and sorrowful “A Mournful Setting Sun”), other standouts are “Will to Power II – Strength” and “A Fire to Light the Skies.” After opening with a standard black metal approach, the drums of “Will to Power II – Strength” shock the flow with a nifty drum gallop that breathes new life into something we’ve heard a thousand times. One of the reasons this song is so memorable is the multi-guitar leads that somehow overlap even though they aren’t playing the same thing. The bass also floats to the surface far more than any other song, taking control of the rhythm. The song acts very little like a black metal song, introducing subtle heavy metal touches that make it pleasant while being unique. “A Fire to Light the Skies” delves deeper into the band’s melodic character, introducing sheer beauty and passion. Taking its time to get going, it creates a gentle atmosphere that matches the dark, hypnotizing plod. Like the opener, it also climaxes with a swirling tapestry of overlapping vocal variety.
For a debut album from a little-known black metal band, I didn’t expect to enjoy this album or listen to it as many times as I have. Though song lengths clock in around seven minutes on average, only a couple overstay their welcome. But, none suffer from the typical unbearableness of many black/atmoblack outfits. The only song that does drag on too long is the closer, “Will to Power III – Spirit.” That might be because the album is a touch longer than I’d like, but it’s also because it follows “A Fire to Light the Skies” with a similar gentle flow, slowing the album down too much for a strong finish. The other issue is the dynamics. The intricate instrumentation, at times, includes more than two guitars flying around in the ether. But, this compressed master doesn’t quite let the listener enjoy every nook and cranny. But the instrument that’s hurt the most by the compression is the bass. That said, I, the Destroyer is an impressive debut record that keeps it simple while tying a theme tightly to its song structure.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 5 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: Moribund Records
Websites: svartfjell.bandcamp.com | facebook.com/svartfjell.official
Releases Worldwide: November 22nd, 2024
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