16 years have passed since the release of one the most underrated and beautiful black metal albums. I am talking of course about Armagedda’s third full length, “Ond Spiritism”, an album that, among others, represents the true essence of what I call black metal. That record was the last Armagedda ever released and soon after the band fell into a dead silent slumber (until now), even though its members continued their musical journey in various projects.
Then, unexpectedly, in 2020, some rumors started to grow about a new Armagedda album that will come out on Nordvis Prod (A.Petterson‘s own label). These news hit me really hard (and confused me as well), as I did not know what to expect. After all, 16 years is a lot and many things can happen/change in the meantime. Naturally, I had a lot of questions regarding this release, like will they sound like before, has the band reformed etc. You know, the basic fan questions.
Then, the album came out on May 15th and, after more and more listening sessions, almost all of my questions got their answers: yes, this is indeed Armagedda and yes, this is not “Ond Spiritism” revisited, but a new, strong album with the same sinister atmosphere. The links with their past are obvious on the album cover (brilliantly designed this time as well by Erik Danielsson), where the “Ond Spiritism” framed painting hangs from a wall, as an old and decrepit reminder of a violent past. Another reference is the second track, simply called “Ond Spiritism”. And the third reference is visible on the back of the booklet, in form of a statement from Hor (if you do not know who he is, check out Armagedda’s discography asap).
“And so it was told that in the seventeenth year, things that were thought to be dead begun to stir again in the earth, as if awoken by the stench of man-fear penetrating deep beyond the reach of sunlight. Reanimated by some nameless and cursed source of vitality they say it has begun pouring and trickling from the dark crevices of the North, like an ancient curse into the veins of the world. And with the same fearful fascination that we behold something full of life being robbed of its vitality and pulse, we shall now bear witness to that which ought to be forever dead but by unnatural impulse and eager invocation is again given life, to haunt and to stalk the night of the world.” – HOR
However, what about the music, how does Armagedda sound in 2020? Well, the simple answer is: they sound amazing. The more complex answer would be that “Svindeldjup Ättestup” somehow continues where the band left off in 2004, but also keeps in touch with the times they live in. I am very glad the Swedes, without forgetting their origins, adapted to these modern times and they did not release instead a “primitive” record just for the sake of being “true and cult”.
Recorded in No Solace Studio in Poland (with M.Z as producer), the album contains one instrumental song (the intro “Det Sjuttonde Aret”) and six long tracks. The duration is not an issue here, as the whole essence of Armagedda cannot be captured in short songs (the best example is the last track, “Evigheten I en Obrytbar Cirkel”, which lasts for more than 11 minutes).
The drums on this album are handled by The Fall, a talented Polish musician, also known for his work in bands like Medico Peste, Over the Voids and Owls Woods Graves, where he plays several instruments. A friend of mine said it very well in a discussion we had, “the drummer is doing his part in a humble way”. You can hear exactly that on the album, as the drums are not the main focus, instead they are quite varied and bring that extra aggressive support when it is needed the most.
Surprisingly (or not, depending on how you look at things), there is a lot of rhythm and groove in the songs. Some punk oriented beats and riffs can be detected here and there (ex Ond Spiritism, Likvaka), while the “ugly” side of the old Armagedda appears on songs like Guds Kadaver (en falsk Messias) or the majestic “Evigheten I en Obrytbar Cirkel” (I absolutely love how everything stops for a split second at the 39th minute, only to start again with an amazing cold, piercing guitar riff which shreds for 10 seconds before the rest of the instruments join in again). This dynamic balance between rhythm and violence makes the whole listening experience very enjoyable and immerses you instantly in the album’s grim atmosphere.
Do not worry, the album does not lack aggression, grimness or misanthropy. Remember that “Armagedda wants you dead” statement? It can apply to this album as well, as “Svindeldjup Ättestup” is full of aggression and hate, which means that A. and Graav still know how to use the tools of their trade. Graav’s twisted vocals add an insane vibe to the already bleak atmosphere, while the cold guitar riffs and blast beats strengthen the black metal spine the album is built on. After all, this is still malevolent black metal we’re talking about here, only this time it’s a bit more “POLISHed”.
Overall, this is a very complex and interesting release. I wanted to say comeback, but I am not sure if (or when) the band will release something again. To be honest, after this record, I really do not care if the band goes back to sleep for another 16 years, I am very happy they came up with this one.
Everything, from the cover/booklet to the lyrics and the music, is richly infused with the “old” Armagedda spirit, but nothing on this album is a copycat of their previous works. The 2 musicians created something evil, memorable, something that has evolved together with them during these years of (Armagedda’s) absence. And all that makes this album even more captivating.
“Gode Gud, visa dig i mörkrer om du Mod äro
Onde Djävul, våga påstå att du ond mer äro än Jahve självt”
Armagedda – Svindeldjup Ättestup tracklist:
1. Det Sjuttonde Aret
2. Ond Spiritism
3. Likvaka
4. Djupens Djup
5. Guds Kadaver (En falsk messias)
6. Flod av Smuts
8. Evigheten I en Obrytbar Cirkel
Armagedda Line-Up:
A.Petterson – guitars/bass
Graav – guitars/vocals
The Fall – drums (session)
Band Contact:
scrollsofdarmoth.com 