Album Details

• Artist: Taake
• Album: Noregs Vaapen
• Label: Dark Essence
• Year of Release: 2011
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2011-10-18

No flab on this carcass. The latest from Taake is livid to say the least. "Noregs Vaapen" is a slab of no-frills black metal that ought to make any feet leap to attention. This is pissed off, guitar-overloaded fury, so overwhelming that even when they use a quick flash of banjo or other folk touches, they get away with it because in context they sound just as brutal.

The riff in the middle section of "Nordbundet" is one of the classics in black metal, mark my words. But all seven tracks jump right in with an evil groove that does not let up. That track with the banjo, "Myr," is almost funny in its savagery. Personal favorites are the slashing "Helvetesmakt" and "Orkan," so noted for the exceptional grit of the vocals, which are often chilling in their sincerity.

Taake are yet another band from the dark North, but they are hardly a cookie-cutter black metal band. As "Noregs Vaapen" illustrates, right now they are among the best. With a sound that is relentless and stripped to a clean, harsh essence, Taake are sure to break some bones when they go on tour in a few months.  This is a sound you cannot escape, and one that makes you love that icy captivity.

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