Koldbrann, whose name is Norwegian for “gangrene”, previously released albums that demonstrated fast-paced and rather straightforward black metal with rugged, blackened vocals and cold riffs in classic Norwegian fashion. While the albums sounded passable, there really wasn't anything innovative about them. Now, they return 11 years after their last album with Ingen Skånsel (meaning “no shame”). Will this new album bring anything new to the table?
The first main tremolo-picked riff of the opening title track promises the coming of eerie dissonance, sending chilling waves of anticipation. However, instead of pursuing a disso-black approach that we've seen in multiple other bands this year, the song turns to a quite groovy rhythm. Together with the Norwegian singing, their energetic sound becomes almost reminiscent of Kvelertak, although Koldbrann definitely exude far more typical black metal than any punk/hardcore elements. Still, there are several surprising shifts in style to be found on this album. “Prosesjon Under Blyhimmel” begins and ends with a mean, groovy riff that could almost be mistaken for traditional, doom-infused heavy metal. “Det Kryper Kaldt” is just a short interlude of subdued yet subtly unsettling ambience. And the last minute of “Maskiner Av Nihil” unexpectedly goes into a full-on thrash metal mode.
For the majority of the album, though, Koldbrann play consistent, fast-paced and catchy black metal. Although they are continuing the standard style of Norwegian black metal, they do manage to incorporate intriguing melodies and riffs that nake their album sound quite unique, in the end. Together with the aforementioned genre mixtures and with raspy vocals reminding me oddly enough of the black/death band Necrovation, Koldbrann offer with Ingen Skånsel a solid, enjoyable black metal experience that combines both classic and original features.
