Ixone
Have you ever found yourself expecting a certain sound from an album, only to get something completely different—yet undeniably much better? This is what happened to me when I first heard Shagor’s Lyksalver. From my first glance at the album cover, I anticipated a claustrophobic, dense, avant-garde album. What I actually discovered, however, was a hidden gem of melodic Black Metal. With its epic yet melancholic atmosphere that will undoubtedly stir emotions—longing being the most prevalent—Lyksalver is a fun listen, packed with plenty of cool musical moments to savor.
Described as a “profound exploration of decay and introspection”, it should come as no surprise that the album’s main themes are self-hatred and other negative emotions. This becomes evident from song titles such as “Foltertogt” (“Torture”) and the sound of the music itself. Speaking of the music…
The album is predominantly guitar-driven, featuring dynamic riffs that draw on a vast array of influences from across the genre. The occasional lead moments add to the album’s charm, further emphasized by the vocal performance. With the guitars at the forefront, the production enhances their impact—predominantly clean, yet retaining some roughness for texture. The complexity of the guitar work benefits greatly from the length of the songs, each running around or exceeding eight minutes. Do not be misled, though; the songs are engaging enough to make their length feel irrelevant. This is a testament to the excellent songwriting.
The dynamism of the music is also a result of the impressive drumming. If there’s one thing this album excels at, it’s the drums. The ever-changing rhythms flow seamlessly into one another, offering the music a natural, organic feel that makes it all the more captivating. The faster moments are undoubtedly my favorite, though the slower sections possess an undeniable charm, amplifying the emotional weight of the album.
The vocals are just as impressive as the other musical elements, working in perfect harmony with the guitars to highlight the record’s mood. The high shrieks, contrasted by clean segments, bring out the melodies in a way that makes them stick in the listener’s ear. However, I did struggle slightly with the clean singing—it reminded me too much of Harakiri for the Sky’s style. In my opinion, a more operatic technique would have suited the album better, enhancing the atmosphere without compromise. That said, I often find myself overly critical of such details, so this is ultimately a matter of personal preference. It’s worth noting that this aspect is easy to overlook and does not detract significantly from the overall experience.
All of these elements come together beautifully in the final track, “Sluymerval”, which, in my opinion, is the best song on the record. It has everything one could hope for: epic, grandeur-inducing vocals, meticulously crafted riffs, and drums that elevate the song to soaring heights. The latter half of the track, in particular, amplifies that soaring sensation to its fullest.
One might argue that this album is neither groundbreaking nor innovative, and they wouldn’t be entirely wrong. Lyksalver does not aim to reinvent the wheel. In my view, this record strives to evoke deep sensations and emotions in the listener—and on that front, it succeeds brilliantly. The album also showcases the band’s songwriting capabilities through five immersive tracks that radiate artistry and creativity. If my description piqued your interest, I highly recommend giving Lyksalver a listen.
Label: Vendetta Records
Release date: 8 February, 2025
Website: https://www.facebook.com/ShagorBlackMetal
Country: Netherlands
Score: 4.0/5.0! That’s it!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 