Dødheimsgard’s new studio work, “Black Medium Current”, comes almost 8 years after “A Umbra Omega”! Aside from the mastermind, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Vicotnik, the lineup has changed drastically. L.E. Måløy (If Nothing Is) is on bass, piano, cella & theremin, Tommy Thunberg (Headcleaver) on lead guitar and Øyvind Myrvoll (Dold Vorde Ens Navn, Nidingr) on drums. Moreover, there’s a guest appearance from Sttng (Mørkt Tre, Colotyphus), who plays the flute on “Et smelter”.
The production was done by Vicotnik himself, while Matias Aaveren (Scars) engineered and mixed the album at Top-Room Studios. The mastering was done by Charis Zourelidis (Memorain, Slavebreed, etc.) at Feedback Studios with additional help by Pavlos. The final outcome is full and clear, and it maintains the balance between the instruments without sounding overly polished or retro.
Musically, the band’s avant-garde metal is embellished with black metal, atmospheric, electronic, industrial, prog metal, post-metal and psychedelic elements. The songs are usually lengthy and vary in pace, atmosphere, and rhythm. I’d call it experimental metal music at large.
Thematically, the album explores the concept of authenticity, the conflict between free will and determinism, and the implications for our moral responsibility. The band explores the idea that by attempting to free oneself from a state of existential despair and confusion, we inadvertently surrender our own freedom. Suggestions that perplexity and sadness, however difficult to bear, are philosophically required to call one’s own intellectual honesty into question.
As a whole, “Black Medium Current” is an album that requires repeated listens to fully appreciate its complex & strange content. It’s a challenging and rewarding listen that showcases Dødheimsgard’s continuous progress as a band. The band’s willingness to experiment with various musical styles and their ability to blend them seamlessly is truly impressive. Yet, this is not an easy-listening album made for the average music fan who enjoys radio-friendly music in general. Instead, the fans of experimental, dark, atmospheric and extreme music will be delighted ultimately.
