Mork // Syv // Album Review

Having been created in Halden, Norway by Thomas Eriksen as a side project in 2004, it took 9 years until Mork released the debut album and then the band rose to the top of Norwegian Black Metal and pushing to be one of the best worldwide.

I have reviewed several Mork reviews and they are a band that I always keep an ear out for and end up getting my wallet out and buying their records – such is the quality of the music. Earlier this year Eriksen released a self-titled project that allowed a release for the more underground Black Metal that is created in that mind, but this also paved the way for Mork to evolve and expand.

Mork claims that this is the “most varied album to date” so what does this, the seventh album bring to celebrate the twenty years of their being?

Starting with a brief atmospheric instrumental, the album erupts into life with a horrifying scream as the guitars burst into life and the drums begin to warm up – then we hear that brilliant Black Metal Mork that I am addicted to. The riffs are stunning from the off and the balance of the heavy and dark with the more melancholy and unsettling steadier moments are as stunning as ever.

As the album progresses we get different paces, different feel and quite a few instrumental changes, with ‘Holmgang’ venturing into a string and bow area at times, which brings a different dynamic to the sound and it works by giving it an extra layer.

The vocal remains to be that stunning gravelly and unsettling voice that we are so used to now and never fail to deliver.

There is a different feel to Syv as Mork allows the music to head into slightly different angles and feelings, leaning towards a progressive feeling at times. This however almost feels like the music is evolving itself and it is not just being the band. With the music being its creation and moving with the sounds, you feel like Mork are allowing that progression and not being tied down by stereotypes or expectation. For this, that is where the best music is made – when it flows.

Syv is another amazing addition to the Mork catalogue and any fan of the Black Metals collection. Yet again, I will be separating from some of my cash when payday lands!

Syv will be released Friday 20^th September 2024 via Peaceville Records.

Review: Ed Ford