A new ritual for Trelldom.
While the band has been silent since 2007, the date of its last release, 2024 marks the return of the band led by Kristian Eivind “Gaahl” Espedal (vocals, Gaahls Wyrd, Gaahlskagg, ex-Gorgoroth, ex-God Seed, ex-Wardruna) and Stian Kårstad (bass/guitar, Nidingr, ex-Gaahls Wyrd, ex-Djerv, ex-God Seed), accompanied by Kenneth Kapstad (drums, Goat the Head, ex-God Seed) and Kjetil Møster (saxophone) and the announcement of …by the Shadows, their fourth album, via Prophecy Productions.
The album kicks off in a dissonant groove with The Voice of What Whispers, a puzzling first composition joined by airy Black Metal roots, then a few lyrics and backing vocals from Gaahl. We’re captivated until the chaotic final appears, then Exit Existence puts an end to the apocalypse, unveiling a soaring approach where saxophone and clean vocals dance together to create half-ritualistic half-cacophonous moments that are echoed in the solemn and mad Return the Distance, where haunting riffs give way to hellish melodies. No vocals on this heady lament, but they return to inhabit the Doom influences of Between the World, creating a very slow and intense progression that naturally hypnotizes us before accelerating on I Drink out of My Head, where it quickly becomes more ethereal. A few more avant-garde elements appear from time to time to remind us of the band’s creative force, such as this final climax, then Hiding Invisible takes over with its eerie ghostly tones. The noises and choirs in the background give the sinister melodies a whole new oppressive force, ending with the Post-Punk-oriented mix of By the Shadows, the eponymous composition, where light inspirations infuse the band’s Black Metal with unexpected hues, but which fit very well with their singular sounds. Don’t think the piece is over without a final surprise.
Trelldom has always been a project with a unique sound, and …by the Shadows shows it seventeen years on, breaking codes in unexpected ways. Don’t expect an Old School project, but be open-minded and you’ll be won over.
85/100
