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Svartalvheim (1994)
My first exposure to Ancient was by viewing the video for "Lilith's Embrace", from The Cainian Chronicle, a year or so after it had been released. Naturally, I was absolutely disgusted by the horrible garbage that I saw and heard, and thus Ancient was written off as yet another band of posers, polluting the black metal scene with female vocals, keyboards and other horrendous nonsense that was commonplace at the time. Some months later, I was surprised when a friend in Sweden sent me a tape that included "Trumps of an Archangel", from the band's debut album Svartalvheim. This gave me the impression that the band used to be good, though I was again disappointed when I heard the whole thing. Recorded in late 1993 and released in May 1994, this L.P. displays a different approach from their later works and demonstrates a more competent understanding black metal, though the result is not all that good.
Svartalvheim shows a more competent grasp of black metal compared to their later works, but the result is still uneven. The production isn't as raw as you'd expect, with guitars that are blunt rather than sharp. Still, the riffs hold a mournful vibe typical of the time, though there’s little originality to speak of. The vocals are grim, but not much more than what you’d expect from bands in the Norwegian scene.
The album has its moments, like the standout "The Call of the Absu Deep," where mid-paced riffs and a mournful atmosphere manage to captivate for a while, even if the acoustic interlude undercuts the track’s dark vibe. "Likferd" also shines, with a hypnotic riff and an intensity that recalls early Darkthrone, though not as well executed. It’s a bit of a high point after the album’s drawn-out and increasingly forgettable stretches.
Unfortunately, Svartalvheim is plagued by inconsistency. "Paa evig vandring" overstays its welcome at over nine minutes, with keyboards and an annoying lack of direction. The interlude “Ved trolltjern” serves little purpose beyond killing any remaining momentum, while “Eerily Howling Winds” flirts with potential but is ruined by unnecessary clean vocals and gothic elements.
The problem with Svartalvheim isn’t a lack of competence. Ancient can write standard black metal in the northern style just fine. The issue is that their ambition often exceeds their ability, and the album fails as a result. Out of ten tracks, only four are worth hearing, and even those aren’t particularly extraordinary. If you find it in a discount bin or for free, it’s worth a listen, but investing serious time in tracking it down would be a waste.
Svartalvheim shows a more competent grasp of black metal compared to their later works, but the result is still uneven. The production isn't as raw as you'd expect, with guitars that are blunt rather than sharp. Still, the riffs hold a mournful vibe typical of the time, though there’s little originality to speak of. The vocals are grim, but not much more than what you’d expect from bands in the Norwegian scene.
The album has its moments, like the standout "The Call of the Absu Deep," where mid-paced riffs and a mournful atmosphere manage to captivate for a while, even if the acoustic interlude undercuts the track’s dark vibe. "Likferd" also shines, with a hypnotic riff and an intensity that recalls early Darkthrone, though not as well executed. It’s a bit of a high point after the album’s drawn-out and increasingly forgettable stretches.
Unfortunately, Svartalvheim is plagued by inconsistency. "Paa evig vandring" overstays its welcome at over nine minutes, with keyboards and an annoying lack of direction. The interlude “Ved trolltjern” serves little purpose beyond killing any remaining momentum, while “Eerily Howling Winds” flirts with potential but is ruined by unnecessary clean vocals and gothic elements.
The problem with Svartalvheim isn’t a lack of competence. Ancient can write standard black metal in the northern style just fine. The issue is that their ambition often exceeds their ability, and the album fails as a result. Out of ten tracks, only four are worth hearing, and even those aren’t particularly extraordinary. If you find it in a discount bin or for free, it’s worth a listen, but investing serious time in tracking it down would be a waste.
(14 Oct. 2011)
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