Metalcatto
Yes, we actually got an OG promo for once. If you don’t know who Taake is, well, it’s time you go back to his first three albums or so. They’re Black Metal landmarks—some of them even a 5/5 in my book. However, it’s been forever since Taake didn’t bore me to death, and En Skog Av Nidstang has to beat my overwhelming negative bias. Will a miracle happen?
Skog continues the same train of thought as the last Taake album, which to my ears would be super concerning, but I do think the songwriting here is a bit sharper. There are moments of genuine creativity and emotional weight. Even if the tracks are long—maybe too long—Taake has achieved a balance between that potato-recording Norwegian style and decent production that actually lets us understand what’s going on. The guitar work is more defined, the atmosphere is thick, and there’s a sense of intention that was missing from the last few releases.
The album only has four tracks, and they all stay kind of in the same crushingly depressing mood—woohoo. They feel independent from each other, each one a self-contained descent. It’s also rather interesting how loud the vocals are compared to the rest of the instruments in the mix. A particular decision, considering this is an album from freaking Bergen—so don’t ask me what he’s saying. Not even Norwegians get underground Bergen Norska. Anyway, time to be real.
I do have an issue with several things here, unfortunately. The drums are so muddy—they have that Gorgoroth “I’m punching a table” kind of feel. Also, I’d rather Taake have one extra track than these mammoths that go on for far too long. We get a zillion runs through the same ideas. Even if they’re good, one can only wonder how this could benefit from proper editing. The repetition doesn’t build tension; it just tests patience.
I’m not disappointed, but perhaps a bit frustrated. Isolation is overrated when it comes to art. Skog is interesting, but it feels like it hasn’t kept up with the times. If you know what I mean. Black Metal, for better or worse, has changed, and this has been done many times before. So it’s enjoyable for sure, but is it new? I beg to differ. It’s a solid entry for those who want a reminder of the old days, but it doesn’t push anything forward. Still, if you’re a fan of the classic sound, you’ll find something to appreciate here. Just don’t expect it to blow your mind or challenge your expectations.
Release date: 31 July, 2026
Website: https://www.facebook.com/taakeofficial/
Country: Norway
Score: 3.0/5.0
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