Review Summary: Progressively old-school. And it works!
Thomas Eriksen has truly been in his element lately, offering the public two full-length albums this year. The first, his solo project called Udåd, was released in March, presenting raw, primitive black metal, while he crowned this autumn with another Mork album, simply titled
Syv ("Seven"). At first, one might wonder,
"Why release albums under separate projects if Eriksen is the mind behind all of them?" The answer lies in the style of each release:
Udåd embodies the absolutely raw and ancient side of the genre, while the progression of Mork has reached a new chapter, where old-school black metal has met an infinitely refined and meticulously balanced progressive approach. And how?
Syv not only fully utilizes the toolkit of old-school black metal (fast tremolos and mid-tempo riffs, clear vocals or harsh screams, etc.) but also introduces delicate, rare elements. Examples include complex, highly progressive rhythmic solutions (like in the last third of “I Tåkens Virvel”), string-led melodies (“Holmgang” or the most beautiful instrumental piece, “Til Syvende Og Sist”), also the bass guitar often takes the "leading role" in shepherding the flow of melodies (throughout the entire album). This approach is what elevates
Syv above the competitors. This album goes far beyond being an experiment-focused release; as it combines traditional elements (and sound) with vitalizing, mature, and captivating progressiveness... this is exactly why black metal never ceases to amaze me (or us)! Shortly: exemplary album.