In the Distance

Well, I sure haven˙t expected this when I got hold of this album. Lately, I`ve been searching for some original and innovative black metal, and got this as a recommendation on another forum. First thing I noticed about this album is interesting cover which looks like a microscopic image of something, can˙t really figure out what, but who cares when It can get your attention, and this album certainly deserves it.

Easiest way to describe the music, would be black metal with plenty of 70`s progressive & psychedelic rock influences. This two heavily different parts are not separate, but rather mixed into one another with stunning results. One would expect that somewhat bad production would take away some of that beauty, but I think that it works in favor of this album. Every instrument is easily recognizable, especially bass guitar, which you don't hear very often in this genre, and it adds a nice groove. Drums are probably the least spectacular instrument on this release, but they do their job rather well.

For me, highly psychedelic atmosphere is the thing which sells this album. As soon as it starts, It sucks you right in, and doesn˙t let you go until it finishes. There are also many tempo changes, and alteration between clean and harsh vocals. Vocals are another thing worthy of praise, harsh stuff is really oppressive on ears, and the clean ones sound totally spaced out, like they are not from this world.

Only complaint that I have about this release, is complete lack of lyrics, because it seems that they could hold some interesting concepts and observations.

In conclusion, this is highly recommendable to anyone looking for some innovation and originality in somewhat tired genre of black metal.

When I first started shopping around for CDs I made myself a promise: "That I would always buy at least 1 random CD". So far, this technique of discovering bands hasn't failed, and Vediog Svaor prove just this.

When I first played this album, I wasn't quite sure what to think. I had never heard anything like it! I mean, yes, it can maybe be compared to Ves Bues Ende and probably Solefald, but that doesn't mean this release sounds like either of the previously mentioned artists.

"In The Distance..." is a piece of art in its own right, in its own league. Mixing some clever black metal musicianship with nostalgic elements that aren't dissimilar to 70s/80s prog rock, Vediog Svaor manage to capture and hold the attention of any avant-garde junkie. The clean vocals are some of the most unique I have ever had the honor to hear(Led Zeppelin comes to mind, hehe). The bass work is killer, which gives the piece a lot of groove. The guitar doesn't fall far behind, having both black metal intensity and oddball avant-garde passages. Drums are what they need to be, neither particularly standing out, nor being poor quality.

So, if you're looking for something a bit different, and totally bloody underground, Vediog Svaor might just be your thing. Best enjoyed on a rainy day, or whilst on different kinds of mind-altering substances.

The album's only downfall is that it can get just a tad repetitive. There should have been some kind of big creative spike in the middle, to keep the listener totally tuned.