After almost two decades, we now behold the birth of the solo project Mjolne, formed by the ex-drummer of Mactätus. The sole member Mjolne (all instruments) provides us with his take on grim, melodic black metal. However, the subtle work of Mjolne has a frosty chill of Nordic black metal to it that evokes bands like Svartahrid, Mactätus, and early Tartaros.

While the album is not signed to any label yet, the debut album “Through Veils of Time” was released on February 15th 2025, and exploits its semi-symphonic grasp on the ten tracks.

The bombastic opening of the album “What I Once Was” offers an epic approach with the use of the acoustic guitar, the songwriting genuinely pertains to the classic era of Norwegian black metal. The musical formulation captures fierce drumming and symphonic, melodic guitar passages; the music prospers majestically creating a dark landscape of aggression in the following song “The Olden Perspective” when the drums alternate between furious and mid-tempo, the keyboards take the lead and the menacing snarls contrast with the symphonic overtures.

The symphonic elements flow well together, and bewitching piano passages inflict a dark and atmospheric nature. The tremolo picking is another highlight in this beautiful track, and it’s well-balanced with the slab of the drums. The guitar work is often melodic and aggressive throughout the album, and sometimes, the music unfolds a remarkable blend of dark chants with acoustic guitar passages, adding a unique touch to the song.

Mastermind Mjolne proves that his musical vision imbibes from the roots of Norwegian black metal with the melodic guitar lines have an aesthetic quality in the album’s title track “Through Veils of Time”. The symphonic textures are layered on top of clean vocals and operatic chants that give the song a sense of bombastic touch, with the guitars delivering menacing riffs and accompanied by furious drums.

The dark and majestic atmosphere in the short interlude track “Skaldekvad” showcases a sophisticated composition. The cosmic theme has a grandiose sound packed with nightmarish soundscapes and ethereal majesty. Such styles would bring bands like Limbonic Art, Odium, and Obtained Enslavement to my mind.

Mjolne manifests a perfect combination of atmospheric and symphonic black metal in several songs like “In the Abyss of Existence”. The song also features memorable melodic riffs with an eerie synth background and enthralling tremolo pickings; the musical arrangements reveal a unique grasp of artistry.

From the cosmic-themed cover to the symphonic backdrop, you will know that Mjolne has graced us with his impressive performance. The grim approach and catchy rhythm of “Til Heiheim pt.I Reisen” bring a more menacing and majestic symphonic atmosphere swirling with the harsh riffs and raspy vocals; the melodic layers of the guitar are mixed with synth lends the music an epic feel, as each song features blazing guitar riffs.

Mesmerizing and awe-inspiring, the drums are followed by haunting rasps as the song intensifies into a melodic buildup of the guitar solo, the drums unleash a ferocious slab of aggression, which is just perfect.

The haunting vocal samples in “Til Helheim pt.II Forvandlingen” diffuse an air of dark ambient soundscapes. The synth arrangement gives it a fantasy flair compelling the listener through a surreal journey into a desolate abyss. The guitar melodies fit the song’s atmosphere and there are many memorable moments where the dark rasps create a grim feeling.

Capturing the facets of symphonic black metal, “Til Helheim pt.III Gjenreiselsen” features fast drumming sections, and the tempo becomes balanced plunging you into a mood darker than the keyboard settings. The song is enhanced by excellent guitar work, from the refined tremolo melody, and the majestic solo at the very end of this song is brilliantly executed.

The somber snarls generate a malevolent presence in the final track, “The Cries Within” which delivers a grim sense of cold atmospheric black metal riffs. It begins with an acoustic section followed by the symphonic patterns, the harsh riffing, and fierce drums that explode in full force.

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