KJELD - Skym

February 25, 2015, 9 years ago

(Hammerheart)

David Perri

Rating: 7.5

review black death kjeld

KJELD - Skym

Here's the debut full-length from Netherlands-based Kjeld after a two track EP in 2010 that didn't, at all, hint at the kind of progression we're experiencing in the here and now of 2015. Reflecting the kind of energy Tsjuder or Dodsferd are so effective at while simultaneously staying grounded in the second wave, Kjeld also isn't afraid to venture down alleyways (or forest paths) that are infused with that dark side of '80s thrash Dimmu Borgir takes epic pleasure in mining. Yes, there are many diversities happening here, all of them fusing well on the basis of surprisingly professional execution - this is usually where an underground band is at, developmentally, on its third record.

Lyrics in the Frisian language (the northern part of the Netherlands and Germany, apparently) add the regionally authentic flare that so much of the best black metal gives us, with Kjeld seemingly reveling in the type of gravitas and isolation singing in a language spoken by only 500,000 brings. The intensity of the songwriting here impresses: if, on the next record, each track has the capability of "Gerlofs Donia" or the I-can'-believe-it's-not-Marduk of "Brek En Bran", Kjeld will be recognized, by many. Note: Not to be confused with the other Kjeld, also black metal, also from the Netherlands.



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