Review Summary: True Norwegian Old Metal
Honestly, I wouldn't have thought that this trio from Kolbotn would ever come together and start their own band. It's a fortunate combination, given that the triumvirate of Fenriz (Gylve Fenris Nagell), Apollyon (Ole Jørgen Moe), and Bestial Tormentor (Olav Knutsen) has been part of such renowned bands as Darkthrone, Aura Noir, Dødheimsgard, and Immortal, just to name a few. Originally, Coffin Storm emerged from the shared doom metal project of Apollyon and Bestial Tormentor in the '90s (as Lamented Souls), but in recent times, their joint musical journey with Fenriz has taken shape. Interestingly, each member found a place in the band somewhat outside their comfort zone: while Apollyon primarily played guitar in the past, he took up drums for this project; Bestial Tormentor, known for his prowess on four strings, went for six more; and Fenriz, though he had sung sporadically over the years (for instance, in Isengard or certain Darkthrone tracks), found himself in a new role solely as a vocalist.
The Norwegian veterans initially intended Coffin Storm to pay homage to the iconic album
Epicus Doomicus Metallicus with an epic doom metal style, but eventually the final result fell closer to thrash metal. Coffin Storm’s style is more of a blend of heavy/thrash/doom, yet they remained true to the ancient roots of each genre component. Beyond stylistic elements (such as grinding riffs at moderate tempos, slow guitar galloping, straightforward and simple drum patterns, and Fenriz's unmistakable vocal style), the album's sound reflects these influences in its production as well (well-separated instruments, vintage guitar tones, effects, restrained distortion, and minimalist arrangements). At first, this musical cocktail may seem peculiar (especially Fenriz's vocals, often reminiscent of Warrel Dane from Nevermore), but somehow, over time (after several listens), it manages to captivate the listener. Personally, tracks like “Over Frozen Moors” and “Open The Gallows” have seeped into my brain and ears, particularly with their effortlessly flowing yet stunning riffs. It's hard to find words for this feeling, as I simultaneously admire their simplicity while I could also recognize their unquestionably impactful influences too. A few examples: the title track or some riffs from “Eighty-Five And Seven Miles” vividly capture the profound essence of Candlemass' music, or similarly, hints of early Slayer motifs can be heard in pieces like “Ceaseless Abandon”. They even incorporated elements from their own catalogs! For example, in “Open the Gallows”, Aura Noir's unmistakable style shines through, albeit at a slower pace.
For those open to the joyous collaboration of these three metal legends,
Arcana Rising will not disappoint. It's a genuine old-school metal album that may not appeal to everyone, but for me, it's certainly one of the most pleasant surprises of the year.
