Metalcatto
It’d be a total understatement to say that Vildhjarta is a strange band. How can I explain it? You know how Meshuggah plays convoluted rhythms, but somehow there’s always a 4×4 groove going on in the drums? Well, forget about that here and get ready to embrace absolute rhythmic chaos — + där skogen sjunger under evighetens granar + is. I know, that name looks like main effects in a linear model (this is my nerdiest joke to date, I’m so proud!), but that only makes me more excited. We’re here to be surprised, right?
I wasn’t ready for the impossible cliff that skogen would be. It’s hostile, heavy, and disharmonic for sure, but what really stunned me was how difficult it was to follow what was going on. It felt like music made by a computer. And I don’t mean that in a bad way — given how AI is taking over art faster than the working class is losing its means, it’s more like: can anyone keep up with this rhythmic nightmare? It feels like having an anxiety attack and an overdose at the same time. You see that art and you know you’re going to get beaten to a pulp.
If you think being a Swedish speaker would make this an easier listen — well, no. Skogen is impenetrable in its meaning. It’s an enigma I’m still trying to crack. There are great moments of serenity and creativity that show Vildhjarta has its own understanding of what Prog should look like. So, idiosyncratic Progressive “Core”? Can that be what this album is about? I also have to commend the metallic and cold atmosphere the album brings. Prog isn’t known for its atmosphere as a genre, but for Vildhjarta, that’s almost the main priority. And even when I can’t grasp what these guys are up to, it’s innovative — without a doubt.
There’s no need to get too wild with criticisms here. This album isn’t for everyone. It’s loud, and for the untrained ear, it has way too many breakdowns. In fact, we could argue the whole album is a crushing, never-ending, and merciless breakdown that cares little about your preferences. It’s deconstructed music, so you can expect mixed opinions. In my case, I’m not sure passion is what I’m feeling for skogen, but certainly fascination.
Yet, one can’t deny how interesting the way Vildhjarta uses familiar tropes and twists them into diabolical and perverted ideas that make us wonder if we can even call this Metal anymore. I enjoy when an album makes me ask that question — even if it’s at the expense of some of my sanity. You’re already deep into this disturbing scene. Why not lose it a bit more too, then?
Label: Century Media
Release date: 20 May, 2025
Website: https://www.vildhjartastore.com/
Country: Sweden
Score: 3.0/5.0 for now
Metal Eclipse Reviews 