Mork – Dypet

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Norwegian black metal outfit Mork returns with the sixth album 'Dypet' out since March 24th, 2023 via Peaceville Records. As a result of hard work and dedication, mastermind Thomas Eriksen created a legacy of his fine craftsmanship proving to be one of Norway’s prime musicians. Mork’s musical style displayed the raw and organic formula of old-school black metal. These traits were refined throughout the years and for this reason 'Dypet' reflects the quality that holds classic characteristics.

Dypet’ focuses on tremendous diversity and not only on black ‘n’ roll style. Perhaps the astonishing variety of elements is the true strength of Thomas Eriksen. Although the songs are played in a slow mid-pace, showcasing fantastic ability in the range of instruments, the opening track ‘Indre Demoner’ offers interesting nuances of Burzum and Darkthrone. The songwriting is built on the aggressive nature of true black metal, technical skills and the grim auric guitar riffs that encapsulate the songs. Booming bass guitar and catchy leads are all meticulously crafted to sound raw and old schoolish. Thomas Eriksen managed to pull off the right tone in these songs and as a matter of fact ‘Dypet’ sounds fresh. There are some tracks that sound bleak and evil: the haunting synth passages and catchy guitar hooks are often used. The main aspect is the dark atmosphere and the riff structure that vibes with the bass guitar.

Some of the best melodies and riffage can be heard in the following track ‘Forført Av Kulden’. The lead guitars provide plenty of memorable moments. Each of the songs offers a variety of tempos. The riffs are meticulously crafted. While  not very complex per se, ‘Svik’ is both raw and melodic. Unlike the preceding albums, ‘Dypet’ mostly settles in this mid-pacing tempo. Bringing aggression, raw black metal riffs and ferocious shrieking vocals, Thomas Eriksen puts his outstanding talent to evoking a timeless tune. The dense aura of the tremolo-picked riffs on songs like ‘Et Kall Fra Dypet’ is executed in the raw style of the second wave of black metal. Still there are some aggressive moments showing the raw approach of utilizing evil shrieking vocals and razor-sharp guitar riffs. These moments will transport you to a dark, haunting forest.

What stands out is the sheer beauty of channeling the spirit of Norwegian black metal. The drum attacks are often utilized in many songs and the same can be said about the riffing quality. Most of the riffs have a primitive vibe to them and while the melodies are mostly laden with hooks, the music is so cold and grim. ‘Høye Murer’ offers a multitude of ideas listen to the dark beautiful guitar melodies and how they literally create a gloomy, ominous feeling. The bass and the guitar complement each other with flawlessly executed tremolo-picked riffs. There is some kind of a spectacular rhythm that surrounds these songs.

Mork chose a hint of a darker edge this time. This is why the composition is different than on the past albums, and while the guitar lines hold your breath with catchiness the raw, evil, and cold tone of the riffs will give you Goosebumps on ‘Bortgang’. The drumming and the riffing provide a backdrop for the chilling vocals. This somehow creates a perfect balance between the infectious riffs that intersect with the fast and mid-pacing drums. These elements play a binding role in offering well-structured songs and a great level of quality. The drums are propelled, but somehow are restrained by the rhythmic tempo.

 

Thomas Eriksen delivers the dirty sound of Norwegian black metal, striking with a heavy blow on ‘Avskum’ as the bleak riffs become increasingly prominent and the drumming transition with double bass and sharp piercing tremolos delivers subtle shifts. ‘Dypet’ shows different facets from Mork in combining raw and aggressive old-school black metal. Personally speaking, the sixth album sounds raw and original without sacrificing the band’s trademarks.

The final track ‘Tilbake Til Opprinnelsen’ is an unrelenting piece of aggressive riffing, unfolding all the key elements of the composition. The song contains piercing tremolos with melodies oozing menacing atmosphere and fierce rattling drums. The subtle clean vocal passages at the end of the song allow the listener to discern the multitude of layers of the tremolos and the blast beats sections.

REVIEW SCORE

  • Music / Songwriting 9/10
  • Vocals / Lyrics 9/10
  • Mix / Production 9/10
  • Artwork & Packaging 8/10
  • Originality 9/10
8.8

Although the previous studio album ‘Katedralen’ still feels fresh, Mork’s sixth album features some of Thomas Eriksen’s best musical work, which truly feels inspired by the old-school raw black metal.

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