ÓREIĐA : "the Eternal"

This Icelandic black metal project embarks on an impressive excursion into atmosphere that is moving rather than pondering. Record labels are quick to compare things to shoe -gaze or post-punk since the acts who broke from their cvlt status into more mainstream recognition, followed such a path. I do not think Thor here is seeking to jump on any such band wagon,  The melodies merge from the din of sound in a more post-rock manner. There is a more folk inspired melody that drones in the sonic storm that is brewed up on the second song. He allows things to drone more when the album opens , but the second song drops to a more subdued minimalist folk guitar sound. There is a chanted vocal tone that rings out as the song swells, but aside from that vocals do not play a role. 

"the Climb" finds the buzzing tremolo guitar that is more traditionally black metal sounding taking a larger role. There is a great deal in play in the sound of these songs that reminds me of Burzum's more atmospheric post-prison work. "the Climb" feels like it conforms closer to what you expect from black metal instrumentation, and is not as impressive as the first two songs, that take more chances with the sonic swathe they create. "the Apex" finds a balance, it plunges into a darker mood , while still digging into a heavier mood, with a denser wall of guitars attacking. This is set against the back drop of more melancholy melody that echoes in the back ground. The synths on this song work well to create a more dismal shading. The absence of vocals, which I imagine would be the more typical black metal rasp, does not leave the voice expected. 

More authentic than Russian Circles forays into more black metal influenced moments, though they are three highly skilled musicians and this is one guy. Thor sounds like he is more of a guitarist, the way the cymbals hit feels programmed , so it is not fair to weigh him against three people. Not that there have bot been many great one man black metal albums made, they just do not normally weight up against full bands, yet what he does here might fool the casual listener. The last song drones with a great deal of feeling, and makes you wonder how vital is the standard black metal rasp. The vocals tell more of a story and provide the static layer of emotional, not sure how much this would benefit from that but I like what is happening in it's current state I will give this album a 9.