Band: Aedelgard
EP: Natteglimt
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Country: Russia/United States
Label: Independent
Released: September 17, 2024
Introduction
Aedelgard is an Atmospheric Black Metal band consisting of the duo Vitharr and Hraefn. Vitharr, a multi-instrumentalist hailing from Russia, and Hraefn handling all vocals and lyrics on the album hails from the United States. The duo formed sometime around 2024 and released their first full length later that same year.
Bands like Aedelgard are the reason I love writing these reviews. For me it’s a way of exploring the seemingly fathomless depths of new releases/artists and finding the hidden treasures within the deluge. Shedding some light upon these bands that I otherwise may have never discovered. Sure I could write about the bands that I love and have held dear to my blackened heart all these years but I feel somehow I’d be missing out.
Natteglimt
Tracklist:
- I
- II (Eternal Moon)
- Sielunkoti (Kalmankantaja cover)
- IV
- Through the Black Spirits
- V
- Alt eller døden
This album is yet again proof to myself that not digging deeper for music like this would indeed be an injustice. There are no gimmicks here. No frills or vain showmanship. This is pure Atmospheric Black Metal. It’s simple and effective to its core. For a debut album it’s a very strong release. Boasting well crafted musicianship, and shrill vocals. All together the overall vibe given feels cold and detached, like being lost in a frost covered forest.
The tracks for the most part are short, the longest being just over 6 minutes, but everything feels complete and is structured nicely so that the album feels like a whole. The production is raw with a slightly more modern take on the classic black metal sound. But it’s very befitting of the album itself. The guitars are melodic and aggressive in all the right places maintaining a clarity without being washed out in the mix. The vocals are incredibly well done and sit nicely in the mix.
The instrumental tracks Through the Black Spirits and Alt Eller Døden are amongst my favorites as well as the Kalmankantaja cover. The cover is incredibly well done.
Natteglimt’s album artwork is noteworthy as well as it’s a painting by the esteemed Norwegian artist Theodor Kittelsen whose paintings have graced dozens of black metal albums over the years.
Conclusion
A very solid debut album. Fans of Burzum, Grima, and Kalmankantaja are sure to enjoy Aedelgard. I sincerely hope this duo continues to push in this same direction with future releases. It’s sincere, raw, and atmospheric in all the best ways.
BMZ Rating: 8 out of 10
Support Aedelgard here: https://aedelgard.bandcamp.com/album/natteglimt
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