Containing six tracks steeped in the traditional second-wave style of black metal, the second album “En Gildere Død” (which translates to A Grandiose Death) is among the best releases from Terratur Possessions this year. Enevelde proved to be one of the most inspired bands influenced by the classic era of the 90s. And right from the start of the track “Til Høsten”, we are treated with the blazing tremolos and grim atmosphere painting majestic quality in the mid-tempos. The pacing of the drums is fast and provides a compelling feel of cold freezing darkness which gives the music a true aspect of Nordic black metal. If you have enjoyed the band’s self-titled debut full-length and the follow-up EP “Gravgang”, you will certainly notice that the writing skills and the composition bear the classic spirit.

Musically, B. Kråbøl has created two musical forms with his band Misotheist and while being the master of his craft, Enevelde is more notable for an atmospheric expression in incorporating dark elements. Which he brings in the track “Renselse”, one of the best songs in the album in my opinion. The harsh growls, dark heavy riffs, and the scale of grandeur are brought with catchy melodic tremolos that mix the epic raw black metal to create memorability. The magnificent atmosphere overall makes you envision the majestic landscapes of Norway. The guitars are the most important element that brings splendor to the songs, with the cold tremolos wafting through the dramatic pace of the drums and the audible bass guitar playing in the background adding a beautiful texture.

For the most part, the riffs in “En Gildere Død” combine excellent tremolos, melodies, and incredibly fast rhythms pushed to raw territories achieved to bring more darkness to the composition. The riff structures mainly enhance the feel and B. Kråbøl perfectly captures the true Norwegian spirit, especially when the drums encompass the cold tremolo riffing, the bass tone is very similar to Mayhem’s style. The tempos in the songs are mainly slow and build an atmospheric epic feel, but there are some fast and blazing moments where the drums unleash a hellish fury, offering a change of pace on the album’s title track.

The drums are played fast, but they are also powerfully aggressive and raw crafted with sheer precision, with blast beats and double bass funneling the hellish grim riffs. Like the fierce blackened winds, “Rekviem” opens with power chords delivering a profound heaviness, in addition the raging tempo becomes extremely aggressive. The guitar work is always emphasized by the slow melancholic riffs that are followed by the rattling drums, the prominent work of the bassist M. Hellem strikes the listener and haunts the mind immediately.

With the final track “Epilog” clocking at seven minutes plus, the drums extend its dynamic pace leading into several tempo changes covering the song in frosty rhythm guitars. The level of intensity is achieved by the fast-paced drums and cold, vicious growls, giving the song an extra dimension. The up-tempo sections are long enough as they create an epic feel, while the dark, icy riffs have the aesthetics of a Norwegian second-wave. The outstanding riffing is nothing short of amazing and with the closing moments of this epic track comes a strong influence of Pagan black metal presenting some beautiful guitar hooks.

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