Review Summary: Enlightening & Philosophical
“A journey of time”: it seems like the perfect statement to describe Dynfari’s third album, Vegferð T*mans. Like their Icelandic metal counterparts Sólstafir, Dynfari’s music has a natural baptism to express emotional splendour whilst still fixed to their black metal roots. Atmosphere and emotion are what they call upon to dive into the shimmering pool of heartfelt power that bands like Fen and Winterfylleth can come close to touching and with Vegferð T*mans they prove that they are undeniably submerged in it.
Dynfari establish a fusion of tentative acoustics and raucous rage throughout the duration of Vegferð T*mans. This is most effective in Sandkor- * stundaglasi t*mans (Sand in the hourglass of time) whereby Jóhann Örn’s screeches and howls can be heard from over distant borderlands yet the soothing acoustics resound through the skies which rather ironically lead to a storm that begins Hafsjór (Wealth). It’s another example where the duo reaches out to the more subdued lands of black metal yet still hearkens to their roots. As the storm crashes some radiant vocals cap a surprisingly mid paced groove. The power Dynfari holds to their name is being able to keep their music sounding graceful through the constant changes in rhythm and tone. The song becomes more intense and pounding yet the blissful guitars glisten smoothly in front of a soundscape of thunderous drums.
Hafsjór proves to be the album turn-around in emotional direction for Vegferð T*mans. The intro track does set the albums tone well however it lacks the sort of emotion that the final 4 songs seem to drip with. It’s the same effect for Óreiða (Entropy): The frequent changes in rhythmic direction are impressive yet take away the intended passion behind the subdued vocals. Perhaps the mystifying music would prove more effective if the vocals where more centralized. Its’ not until the double pace kicks in that rhythm is fully established where the glittering guitars shine against the yawning bass throughout the song.
Nature’s arms cradle you through the voyage of the trilogy, Vegferð (Journey), in an eclipse of mesmerizing ecstasy. Three songs sowed together in a 33 minute composition by a single poem to bring the listener to a diverse view of existence itself. The voyage leads you through a slow lull of contained wrath in Ad Terra (Earth). Gales of whispers and thunderous beats build up to a certain feeling of comfort whereby beauty and simplicity is echoed before the hammer of Dynfari meets the black metal anvil in a fuming cacophony of sound. Ad Astra (Stars) breaks the momentum with pure elegance. Glimpses of female vocals add to the passion and you feel yourself elevated by the song. And finally into the darkness of the cosmos comes Ad Myrkrið (Darkness). As the journey comes to an end you feel your heart beat in rhythm in an attempt to become one with nature. All the sounds of hypnotizing chants to icy screams and the lamenting acoustics to pounding riffs come together as if the elements themselves gather a great congregation of unity and understanding.
