The opening track ‘Cauldron of Plagues’ sets an aggressive tone for the album with a slew of explosive riffs and viciously pissed-off vocals. Kvaen keeps the song dynamics into a burning cannonball, all ready to ignite the blazing fires. The album leans towards an aggression that matches the Swedish style of black metal, where the riffs explode in a massive heat. This somehow makes songs like ‘The Great Below’ full of melodic thrills. While some of the guitar melodies may have obtained its features from classic Swedish melodic death metal, you’ll be caught by the energetic pounding guitars and the galloping drums. The savagery of the vocals adds a strong dash of violence. The guitars display various ranges from the transitory melodies towards shifting gears to speed metal.

There are plenty of surprises in the song composition that are presented on solid musical diversity. The third track ‘In Silence’ immediately shifts your mood to a powerful guitar rhythm with a great sounding production.  Jakob Björnfot on the sophomore captures the songwriting quality with plenty of double bass. The intensity and the loudness increase through its melodic nuances. Kvaen is one unique band and the most exciting act within the genre of black metal that I have discovered in recent years. The song structure imbibes the roots of the melodic Swedish black/death metal, but their approach to songwriting is what makes the music different from its peers.

Most of the songs are riff-centered which gives the music the ability to shift. ‘The Great Below’ also features many guests musicians and vocalists from different bands such as Nephente Fridell (Netherbird), Mike Wead (Hexenhaus, Kind Diamond), Rasmus Rova (Autumn Death), Sebastian Ramstedt (Necrophobic), Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns (…And Oceans, Finntroll) and Robin Mattsson (Meadows End). Although the main inspiration is taken from the Swedish black metal style Kvaen’s sophomore blends inspiring styles resulting in multi-dimensional, vibrant guitars. ‘Damnations Jaw’ opens with an explosive percussion attack. The tremolo-picked riffs add another layer to the explosive pace of the drums. Evil rasps followed by highly charged tremolos, with speed and ferocity all conveyed the trilling sound of the guitars. The technical skills are the highlight of this album.

‘The Great Below’ is a unique mixture of modern black metal meets Viking/speed metal with solid vehemence all rolled into one fist. The Swedish berserker brings full aggression to songs like ‘Sulphur Fire’ which improvises the heavy guitar barrages as sharp windmilling tremolos launch a powerful Viking anthem. Drums gallop at mid-pace and the vocals are just perfect here. The storming tremolos break out. The song feels like it’s a soundtrack to an actual epic battle with the intensity unleashed by the fabulous guitar solos. The main riff is infectious and catchy. The blitzkrieg aggression continues on the following track ‘Ensamvarg’. With its uplifting symphonic textures the synth flows through the heavy guitar riffs bouncing back and forth into grooves.

Production-wise, the outstanding mixing and sound quality provide an energetic sound where the guitars stand out for their splendid riffs. The most memorable aspect would be the flowing melodies, rhythm leads and fast drumming sections. Additional vocals of Rasmus Rova give the song a dose of high energy and epic grandeur, while the guitar performance is gripping. Jakob Björnfot managed to imbue the songs with luxurious quality, hence making them truly unique and engaging.

‘Your Mighty Has Fallen’ expands into solid aggression bringing sheer violence that is masterly executed. The subtle use of the keyboards creates an epic feeling. However, the fiery riffing inserts rhythmic patterns and the chugging sections are absolutely monstrous. ‘The Great Below’ provides real thrills, bringing off the passion of intersecting different genres with exuberant riffs and technical prowess. Like a burning furnace the songs are molded by an aggressive form of modern black metal that blends catchy choruses, melodies and energetic tempos. After the cold piano intro in the final track, ‘The Fire Within Him Burs ‘ sums up these extreme inclinations, the vehement vocals of Mathias Lillmåns crash into the scorching tremolos sending a furious torrent of blast beats.

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