BYFROST - review added 24th June 2011
Album Review: Of Death (2011)
For fans of: Melodic Death Metal
Byfrost came to life in 2007 in Bergen, Norway. Formed by the interestingly named HeavyHarms and R.I.P Meister, the band released their first EP "Byfrostmetal" in 2008. Debut full length "Black Earth" followed in 2010, leading us onto the present day...and second full length album "Of Death".
The sound is an interesting mish-mash of full-bore death metal and melodic elements. Be in no doubt the music is very heavy indeed, but there is a real accessible nature to the sounds. The way the strings and skins are blended often approaches metal perfection. The only problem for me is the vocals. HeavyHarms is not a bad death metal vocalist - far from it in fact, he's a total beast - but he is as gnarly as a cave bear covered in spikes. What this brilliant music needs as a more versatile vocalist with a sweeter voice. What HeavyHarms needs is a band with music that creates hairline fractures in skulls.
All things considered though, Byfrost's tunes make a compelling case for themselves. Yes, there's a total mismatch going on between the singing and the playing, but the result is characterful and annoyingly interesting. Best tracks are the opener 'May The Dead Rise', the brutish 'Buried Alive' and the super speedy title track. However, what the f&!k is 'Sorgh' about? Don't wish to be too rude, but that was a complete waste of six minutes of my life.
In Summation:
All in all, this is an unbalanced album that shouldn't work but does. How annoying and brilliant, all at once.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. May The Dead Rise
02. Eye For An Eye
03. Buried Alive
04. Of Death
05. Full Force Rage
06. Shadow Of Fear
07. Sorgh
08. All Gods Are Gone
Band/Performers:
HeavyHarms - Vocals and Guitar
R.I.P. Meister - Bass
Alkolust - Drums
Other Info:
Label: AFM Records
Artist's website(s): MySpace | Facebook
