After reading the statement alone by Hoest that Noregs Vaapen would be “already more than you deserve” I tried to listen to this one expecting nothing, and let Taake take new form. Starting down a different filthy path after the trilogy of releases, this one digs deep into the Norwegian earth and finds Nocturno Culto, Demonaz, Thurzur, Skagg & Attila Csihar there as extra guests. I’m always filled with raw, hateful energy when I put on a Taake album, for some it’s a rite, others only background music. But if you feel like breaking everything in your house, and then going to the streets for more carnage, I believe Hoest has been able to infect you with his true black metal craft. I went through several of these violent ecstasies before writing.
How one solitary and misanthropic individual can manifest memorable black metal of such quality is beyond me. Nothing is drowned in bad acoustics, the production is intensely raw but in your face, and Hoest’s gravelly voice resonates like a rusty machine reversing on its gears. This is fused together with just enough traditional Nordic elements, but evolving in essence from being inflammatory or strictly provocative to really kicking in your senses. ‘Fra Vadested Til Vaandesmed’ takes the slightly melodic approach that had been mastered by the last offering, in total worship of riff based black metal. The contrast between the roughly hewn guitar work to the organic drumming is quite appreciated. Nocturno lends his voice here and sounds more pissed off and grim than he has on the late Sarke albums. I believe Taake has a universal black metal sound in the sense that you can find almost any elements you want. If you lust for a thrashing pace, a cold atmosphere, or something orthodox and militant. The next few pieces offer a fine dose of each. Although black metal is not thought of as appropriate mosh music for some. I differ my opinion for ‘Nordbundet’. If i were to see Taake in the flesh, it would seem odd not to see at some violence halfway through this one, or I would create some myself! Csihar billowing voice is also lurking somewhere behind the storm. One is always pulled in by the harshness of the Norwegian tongue, no compromises for English. Taake remains a true northern band in every sense. The latter language can be nice and used for a wider fanbases at time but underground is the essence… conforming is obviously irrelevant. There seems to be a mischevous attitude going around the Scandinavian black metal scene as well, perhaps it is a reflection of the complete inane feedback from many of its “fans”. Hoest tried to lose them with his ‘Nekro’ EP. And Shining’s new album strayed quite far from their DSBM foundation, which provoked many. ‘Myr’ is one of these instances, where the wheels seem to be following the tracks, but from nowhere, there is a banjo solo. Perhaps a guilty pleasure for some, others will feel indifferent. It’s not my taste, but I see through it cause he’s trying to screw up everyones pre-conceived and arrogant opinion of the rules. ‘Helvetesmakt’ might be the only rest you get before being assaulted for the last time on the closer of ‘Dei Vil Alltid Klaga Og Kyta’. Taake rules with a blood dripping fist in the air, and there is seemingly no signs of giving in. Få på knærne og tigge!!
Another offering comes in the form of a visual piece for the Nordbundet track, consisting of live concerts and homemade nature footage filmed by Hoest. Find that if you are still hungry…
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