Wow this is fucking good.

This is different seems band somehow put small changes, but keeps own vibe alive. I wont be surprise album no. 3 are on progress and I also suspect this might be cool touring band.

A solid melodic black metal album with a real epic feel to it, aswel as a dark sinister edge. Some of the melodies are ok, not too overdone, although for me melodic black has to have memorable riffs that hook me, and here I'm finding they don't seem to contain the right melodies to keep me hooked. Some of the solo's on the other hand are very good, something that usually lacks in black metal.

Some of the songs don't really do much for me, but the two I find stand out most for me are "Ensamvarg" and the title song. If anything I'm getting slight Marduk vibes from this as opposed to more melodic bands such as Dissection or Necrophobic, maybe that's just me

Good, but a bit disappointing after how awesome The Funeral Pyre was.

This is pretty good, it doesn't reinvent the wheel by any means but it's an enjoyable listen.

Woow. My brain can't process my ears properly. Great album

What is this!!! Have the Metal Gods descended from the heavens above to bestow Kvaen with abilities some would consider unnatural? Because it sure as hell sounds like it!

Just as the previous comment here said, I can't believe my ears! The guitar-work is pure ecstasy, a blending of Dissection, Necrophobic, and Wintersun! So fast, so catchy, the title tracks sounds like it could pass as a blackened thrash song, but there's so much more... beautiful melodic moments, sinister riffs, lighter melodies bordering on power metal (and by the way you can find all of this just in track 6, for example )

The first track was great, but I was completely hooked after listening to the title track - so much excellent musicianship going on! And after that it just keeps going! Strap yourselves in, because once you get on this rollercoaster there's no going back: every fucking song delivers absolutely unbelievable guitar solos and every time my brain just goes numb as I keep mentally yelling at the album, "Are you kidding me?!"

I didn't expect a black metal album in 2022 to overwhelm me like this has done just upon my first listening. But this, with the addicting fast-paced energy, the world-class guitar solos,... and don't get me started on the piano playing in the last song!

This has shot up straight to #1 on my favorite 2022 releases. So majestic, so captivating, so many genres mixed together, genius musicianship, perfect chilling vocals... such consistent technical mastery and execution: every song is unique and yet every song seems to surpass the previous one - simply uncomprehensible.

I can't believe this. I don't give 10's lightly, and especially not to new releases. But this is unmistakable perfection. I think my brain has shut down. What just happened?

Edit: see my comment of The Great Below in the great below

Written by F3ynman2000 on 03.06.2022 at 14:16

What is this!!! Have the Metal Gods descended from the heavens above to bestow Kvaen with abilities some would consider unnatural? Because it sure as hell sounds like it!

Just as the previous comment here said, I can't believe my ears! The guitar-work is pure ecstasy, a blending of Dissection, Necrophobic, and Wintersun! So fast, so catchy, the title tracks sounds like it could pass as a blackened thrash song, but there's so much more... beautiful melodic moments, sinister riffs, lighter melodies bordering on power metal (and by the way you can find all of this just in track 6, for example )

Well said man! this is indeed a lovely record. I remember when I listened to it I felt as though I had been taken into an audio movie. I need to listen to it more, there is much to explore

Written by F3ynman2000 on 03.06.2022 at 14:16

I'd better check this one out!

Written by F3ynman2000 on 03.06.2022 at 14:16

I hate having to go and take back some previous comment, but I think I should do it in this case.

I was too hasty in giving this album a 10. I'm trying to reserve 10s to life-changing albums and personal all-time favorites. And this album here frankly hasn't drastically altered my life - so it gets a simple 9.

Now, don't get me wrong - this is still a phenomenal piece of music and is for sure one of my favorite releases of 2022.

But I just wanted to reel in my enthusiasm and stick to my personal rating system. After all, it's not better than every album I've given a 9 to. So that's why I think it deservedly gets a rating of 9 instead of 10.

If i dont delete a song from the playlist, it means i will be giving itva 10/10... I gave it for the debut album. Unfortunately i deleted one song from this album because it was hampering the continuity. Still these guys are classic stuff.

This was a surprise when it popped up on my Spotify earlier in 2022. Now that I had to time to digest it, what a fantastic album! I agree with a previous commenter that I leave 10s for life changing albums so giving this a 9.

Written by metalbrat on 26.06.2022 at 16:25
Unfortunately i deleted one song from this album because it was hampering the continuity.

Curious to know which song didn't make the cut for you. For me the weakest track is "Your Mighty Has Fallen" but I can also see people being turned off by "In Silence" because of its tempo not flowing well with the rest of the album.

Written by Troy Killjoy on 20.02.2023 at 16:27

Written by metalbrat on 26.06.2022 at 16:25
Unfortunately i deleted one song from this album because it was hampering the continuity.

Curious to know which song didn't make the cut for you. For me the weakest track is "Your Mighty Has Fallen" but I can also see people being turned off by "In Silence" because of its tempo not flowing well with the rest of the album.

'In Silence' was the culprit who took away my one point.

Written by metalbrat on 20.02.2023 at 17:34

'In Silence' was the culprit who took away my one point.

I figured as much based on your comment about continuity. I think a track like that would work a lot better as an outro, but I suppose having to skip one song out of eight on a 40-minute album isn't the worst problem one can have.

Written by Troy Killjoy on 20.02.2023 at 17:38

but I suppose having to skip one song out of eight on a 40-minute album isn't the worst problem one can have.

True but Kvaen missed a chance of getting back to back 10/10 from me.

Loved this. "In Silence" is my favorite track, followed "Sulphur Fire" and "Ensamvarg". I have very limited experience with melodic black metal but this kind of catchy meloblack with multiple influences sound really good. Also giving props to how the album kicks you right in the face with the first track.

Really good black metal. In silence is my favourite track too.