Label- Transcending Obscurity Records
Release date - 8th October 2021
Australia is well known for its glorious beaches, cuddly koalas and clear blue skies which attracts millions of visitors each year. Australia is not well known for its metal bands, compared to the likes of Europe or the U.S.
Enter Norse. Hailing from two hours south of Sydney, the band were formed in 2006. ‘Ascetic’ is their latest release through Transcending Obscurity Records and their fourth full length LP. Norse create a unique, intense and dissonant style of black metal. Ranging from furious tempos into slow paths make an uncomfortable, yet mesmerising experience.
Title track, ‘Ascetic’, kicks off with a tom driven drum passage coupled with guitars which give an intense feel of dread into a hefty breakdown. What follows are vocals that sound like someone needs to perform an exorcism. Norse do not hang about and waste no time in letting the listener know what is in store for them on this record.
‘Parasite Warmongers’ shows touches of Thorns 2001 album of the same name. Discordant guitars backed up with a thick bass tone and chugging riffs leave the palette suitably whetted for the remainder of the album.
It is a strangely addictive album due to the composition of each song. Each listen pushes the mental state of the listener and traps them in a claustrophobic chasm.
The whole album is disturbing, yet at the at the same time, enthralling piece of work.
‘Radical Depression’ is undoubtedly the slowest of the tracks on the album. Building the suspense with a trudging drum section really gets the heart racing in anticipation of what’s around the corner. With hints of ‘Deathspell Omega’ the feel to the song is fitting of its title.
‘Blight’ coming in at just over 2 and a half minutes is a ferocious body of work. It takes a similar template to their neighbours just across the pond, New Zealand’s Ulcerate.
The production gives an extra dimension to the album. Creating a moody, gloomy atmosphere which only enhances the listener experience.
If you enjoyed recent releases from Oranssi Pazuzu & Imperial Triumphant, then this album deserves your full attention. Norse may not be new to the scene, but they are definitely one of the most exciting underground bands in black metal.
Now it’s time for Norse to be revered amongst this genre as one of the most exciting bands on the scene.
This is one of the heaviest most unsettling albums you will hear this year.
8/10