Iceland – Metal Eclipse Reviews

Sólstafir – Hin Helga Kvöl

How’s your Icelandic? Chances are you don’t even know how to say “hi” in this ancient language. I don’t blame you—part of Sólstafir‘s charm is that, much like its homeland, it transports us to a remote place many have never seen. Yet, it remains familiar enough to be relatable. Calling Sólstafir a “Post/Black Metal cowboy” isn’t far off. In fact, Sólstafir could be seen as the extreme, modern response to Finland’s Leningrad Cowboys. Or am I pushing my Nordic culture references too far? Anyway, let’s dive into Hin Helga Kvöl.

Parfaxitas – Weaver of the Black Moon

People, here we go again. We’ve got one of those! You know, those Black Metal albums that take themselves seriously and aim to create art that leaves you howling. Parfaxitas sounds like it’s from Iceland, has members from Iceland, but also from Norwegian and USA, making it hard for me to know which tradition is predominant here (it’s a bit of a super band created by Sinmara, Whoredom Rife and Suffering hour members). I’m sure that the members of this project will be absolutely delighted by any confusion or mystery they can cast over us, so I won’t dig around too much—I love a good mystery! Anyway, what should you expect from Weaver of the Black Moon? Is it another great album from the north or just stale Black Metal? Stay with me!

Árstíðir lífsins – Aldrlok

When it comes to Black and Post Metal, Iceland is a force to be reckoned with. In fact, I’ll probably write a blog entry about it in the future, even though these lovely people sort of beat me to it long ago. To put it briefly, it’s Metal that sounds like a volcano erupting in the darkest place on Earth, while you hide in a cave with freezing temperatures. Árstíðir lífsins is one of the many exponents of the style, but with the difference that it takes the Icelandic formula to its ultimate end. With a discography already filled with enigmatic poetry, where does Aldrlok fit in? Well, you’re in luck today.