Ondfødt continues its journey.
Formed in 2013 in Finland, the band consisting of Dario Kåll (guitar, ex-Solothus), Owe Inborr (vocals/bass/guitar, Dispyt), Joel Notkonen (bass/guitar, Aeonian Sorrow, Arctora, live for Outlaw), and Tommi Tuhkala (drums, Outlaw, Arctora, Spell of Torment) has announced the release of Det Österbottniska Mörkret via Black Lion Records.
The album begins in darkness with Det Österbottniska Mörkret, the eponymous introduction, which envelops us in its eerie dissonance before letting Tvetalan strike with fast Old School riffs. Powerful screams suddenly appear over the solid rhythm with sharp Black Metal roots, fervently complementing the obvious aggression the band spreads before Furstins Tid offers more haunting melancholic elements which also fit very well with the band’s dark approach. The heady leads combined with the steady rhythmic pattern create a heavy but catchy sound that will only fade away to let Tå Do Dör start a cold and martial rhythmic pattern, easily reminiscent of the style’s first albums, adorned with some dissonant harmonics. Where Death Roams will bring an additional touch of energy thanks to aggressive patterns with Mathias « Vreth » Lillmåns (Finntroll, …And Oceans), on which Thrash influences are naturally grafted. The track remains relatively melodic on some parts, creating a contrast with the most raw moments, followed by the charge of Falskhejtins Folk, a composition with catchy Pagan roots. Few leads come again in the wave of rage to darken them and make them slow down, letting a heavy silence lead us to Själavandring, the next composition, which remains of the impressive approach. The track is regularly cut by slowdowns before exploding again just to develop a worked solo with Heavy influences leading us to Höstfruktan, an as aggressive as melancholic composition which plays on piercing leads to feed its intense atmosphere. The band follows with Dödsrejson, a long track naturally mixing all its influences, whether they are anchored in fury or more soothing tonalities like this soft foggy break which allows musicians to express themselves with a soaring approach, then Tå Livi Bleknar comes to close the album with a touch of melancholy on piano.
Under aggressive tones, Ondfødt develops heady melodies, making Det Österbottniska Mörkret an as Old School and abrasive as melancholic album. A perfect starting point for anyone interested in the band.
90/100