Review: Misþyrming – Með Hamri
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Review by Dagon M.
Misþyrming – Með Hamri
Record Label: Norma Evangelium Diaboli
Year: 2022
Rating: 10/10
Misþyrming returns with their third album from the land of eternal cold and darkness. Through their astonishing journey so far, they have managed to establish themselves as one of the best Black Metal bands of the 2010s.
Their newest addition, «Með Hamri», makes it the pinnacle of their existence, with the band exceeding expectations once again. The whole thing feels like a connection bridge between their previous works while adding its own identity. It contains the band’s most elaborate songwriting and their deepest sound to date.
Misþyrming
The album starts with the title track, «Með hamri», in an emphatic way. Straightforward Black Metal attack, full of hate and intensity. They abandon their melodic side temporarily, for a much grittier sound, before returning to familiar ground with the second track «Með harmi». The album’s standout and an instant Black Metal anthem. Eerie guitars create cold and captivating melodies, while the drumming serves as the stepping stone.
The band continues mixing their dissonant soundscapes in the crazed mix that is «Engin Miskunn». As the name indicates, they show no mercy in a more fast-paced tempo, before yet again introducing a more epic piece that is «Engin Vorkunn». Catchy melodies blend with the synths that linger below. «Blóðhefnd» serves as a bridge to the album’s closing, with its deathmatch and ethereal chants. «Aftaka» is more slow-paced with a piercing riff as its backbone. A track that builds up the pressure with various tempo switches, before bursting out to pure mayhem. Their longest track to date serves as the ideal closer.
Misþyrming manages yet again to outdo themselves and shake the Black Metal world. A band that has gone through so many experimentations manages yet again to alter its identity. DG’s vocals are their trademark and his composition skills are undeniable. With the addition of the former Svartidauði drummer, «M.S.», the drums take a step up adding more to the leased chaos of riffs and howls. The sound is very clear, letting each instrument have its gravity, besides the bass that is a bit tuned down.
From start to finish you won’t find a filler track, while each song gives you something completely different. The Icelanders are at their absolute prime, being notorious for their chaotic live performances. They are the perfect example of blending traditional Black Metal with modern influences to create masterpieces. «Með Hamri» is my pick for album of the year.
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