Skogsgriftens rike

I cannot help it, I simply adore SORHIN's "SKOGSGRIFTENS RIKE". This 1996 MCD/LP is quite representative of both the appearance and sounding of Swedish True Black Metal, and this fact alone makes it worth owning! Although I did not buy it when it first came out (the reason being that I was not aware of bands hidden deep in the Underground), I knew it was special as soon as I found out about SORHIN, which was at the time of their 1st full-length. Today, I own both the vinyl and MCD releases! So how is it special and superior to most other classic albums, be it those from Sweden or those from Norway? Let me tell you then.

Take the cover, to begin with. This is no modern pseudo-BM picture with a cartoon-like demon that would only seem dark or evil to a 2-year-old! The cover of "SKOGSGRIFTENS RIKE" is a photo, depicting a cloud-veiled moon shining down on a landscape where only grim-looking old trees exist. This is what the title means, as the cover shows basically what "The Kingdom of the Forest Tomb" would probably look like, if it existed. The link between the desolate beauty of the Nordic nature and Black Metal is one of aesthetics. This is what we Black Metallers consider beautiful, and this is precisely what we expect to see! No colors, no joy, just bleakness as far as the eye can see!

Another treat for the BM maniac is obviously the music. First of all, the vocals use only Swedish lyrics, and secondly, we are given the opportunity to experience SORHIN's musical prowess, which relies on a balance between melody and disharmony. The result is a semi-melodic form of True Black Metal that will put off all fakes and posers seeking mere entertaiment, and that leaves the real supporters of the genre satiated! Do not expect any kind of compromise, the music is simply fast and never makes any real attempt at decreasing the speed. "SKOGSGRIFTENS RIKE" is as straightforward as BM can be and is meant to be listened to on cold, lugubrious nights when the mist graces us with its majestic yet sinister presence. A long stroll in some woodlands or across a charnel cemetary would also be recommended. Only thus can one enjoy this release to the fullest.

I have made an effort to explain what listeners can expect on SORHIN's brilliant album "SKOGSGRIFTENS RIKE", while avoiding to reveal too much, so as not to spoil any BM fanatic's enjoyment of it. It may not be perfect musically, but the presence of such a cover and layout forces me to pay homage to it with a full 100 points! True Black Metallers, seek this gem out immediately if you have yet to hear it. The rest of you should not have even bothered to read this review!