KVELERTAK
"Splid" (Rise Records; 2020)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Listening to a band called Kvelertak and the release is "Splid." I don't know how to pronounce the band's name or the title of the album. What I do know, they rock hard and fucking heavy.
This Norwegian band really is one kick ass band. The bio says it is death metal, but I have to disagree. The more I listened to the band, the more I heard some high quality music and, yes, they had some classic death metal elements, however band's excellent muiscanship, above-average song-writing ability and impressive production quality pushed them a notch above. It would be an injustice to label Kvelertak as a just a death metal band; however, I would definietly call them a very good band and "Splid" (whatever the fuck that means) a great album.
Really, what else is there? Either the music is good or it is bad. I get sick of labels. and, as I see it, this is one talented band. I can even understand most of what they are singing and that is another check in that box! How often can you really hear the lyrics, especially with a death metal band? Eleven tracks and almost an hour of music is simply one good musical outing in my book. Kick ass music that's a great way to pass the afternoon.
For more information, check out https://www.kvelertak.com/.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2020 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
