Review by Ryan Harding

TRELLDOM: TIL ET ANNET . . . Hammerheart

If you’re worried about the endangered species status of true Norwegian Black Metal, TRELLDOM should give you hope. Their second release, TIL ET ANNET . . ., is an 8 track, 45 minute excursion through raw and primitve stylings. The influences of the elder greats such as HELLHAMMER / CELTIC FROST are apparent, but not so overwhelmingly that TRELLDOM doesn’t secure any identity. This album is another product of the infamous Grieghallen studios, which also did justice to the latest AETURNUS.

TRELLDOM isn’t afraid to play fast, as on "Hoyt opp I dypet," but it’s not their sole objective. In fact they’re just as successful with the alternating mid-paced moments. "Svinfylking - til krig" plods through most of its length before quickening, one of vocalist Gaahl’s (also of GORGOROTH fame) best moments. His voice is overdubbed throughout the album, but especially on this track. The constant collision of his varying styles is hypnotic. His clear singing style is unique, and on "Slave til en kommende natt" is about as grating as the blackened vocals. "Min dod til ende" separates itself by being more melodic, one of TIL ET ANNET . . .’s best moments. Finale "Sonar dreyri" delights in sheer repetition and a sustained fast tempo for its ten minutes, an amusing, perfect ending.

Ironically TRELLDOM has separated themselves by not worrying about how alike they might sound to their countrymen. Followers of DARKTHRONE and older GORGOROTH will find what they want in TRELLDOM.

4 SKULLS

This review copyright 2000 E.C.McMullen Jr.

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