Band:	Kampfar
Album:	Djevelmakt
Style:	Black metal, Folk metal
Release date:	January 27, 2014
A review by:	R'Vannith

01. Mylder
02. Kujon
03. Blod, Eder Og Galle
04. Swarm Norvegicus
05. Fortapelse
06. De Dødes Fane
07. Svarte Sjelers Salme
08. Our Hounds, Our Legion

Early last year Djevelmakt hammered its way out of hell and into many folks' eager eardrums, demonstrating a certain fortitude and a staying power that has withstood the test of time not as a grand testament to jaw-dropping originality, but as a killer album with obvious intentions. No matter the number of spins, the sound simply refuses to wear thin. Revisitation is easy and always reaps melodic rewards as Kampfar's latest effort never falls, never fails and never falters. Consistency is key.

Kampfar won't strike listeners as the most adventurous of metal bands identifying with the stylistic moniker of Pagan black, though their song writing remains as unimpeded as ever in a manner of delivery which is the very definition of "straightforward." It would be remiss to overlook the close and thorough attention that the band have given to an unerring melodic construction which avoids stagnation with ease facilitated by a seamlessly driving imperative. This is a record which lacks variety, yet hits home with palpable energy devoid of error or aimless wandering in ill-placed accessory. Each and every moment is instilled with purpose and direction in prolonged exercises in incisive melody that aren't dulled through frequency of repetition. Despite expansive track lengths that fall back on said repetition all too often, the rhythms manage to maintain the flow and uphold melodies that never lose lustre.

Folk accoutrements are sensibly worked into the song structures throughout, and found most prominently in the guitar-free introductions to a number of tracks. These features are varied and ably arranged, best conveyed in vocal peculiarities and a secondary clean delivery aside from the mainstay black growl, as well as momentary flute, acoustic and piano derived segments which serve to set the scene for the unrelenting sequences of melody destined to follow. Primarily, melody driven guitars dominate the proceedings.

From concisely composed cuts such as "Svarte Sjelers Salme," to the following and concluding highlight in "Our Hounds, Our Legion," the tracks maintain their consistency in differing durational contexts. Be it three minutes or seven, the melodic song writing is exceptionally well made and thrives on an energetic performance all round. The rhythm section is steadfast and the percussion persistent and encompassing; the successful placement of drum fills such as those which boost the likes of "Kujon" along its course establish something of a quickening effect to the already propulsive pace. The drum sound itself is well expressed as the album's production is something to behold, only amplifying the unified reverb of bass and guitar lines laid firmly and clearly audible in a mix characterised by decisively clattering percussion. The drum work is deceptively busy as it congeals with the direct drive of the rhythm section at large.

Djevelmakt is defined by its energy, Kampfar's latest studio performance clearly capturing a band in prime delivery.