Kvelertak, Meir (ROADRUNNER UK)
First thing that gets me is the band has three guitarists. No real reason why but hey why not? There is a great crossover style here. A solid mixture of hardcore metal helped by a producer who has played with Converge in guitarist Kurt Ballou and a more melodic hard rock style.
This reminds me a little of Andrew WK with the three guitars and at times a wall of noise much like what WK had. It is melodic but not in a sing along style. The band work hard for a good tune. "Apenbaring" is a good start to the album, slowly bringing the listener into the LP with a repetitive guitar riff and finally the vocals that at this point are not that harsh. Frantic drumming at points shows the bands influences but helps to take the album on slowly.
The album does sound great and more importantly fresh. Gathering influences like a football fan learns new and offensive songs over a season. "Spring Fra Livet" feels like the start of the 90s hardcore album. Add in some fantastic classic Black Metal drumming it takes some listeners a little time to get used to it. But it has so many melodic parts it is a shame you would leave it. "Bruane Brenn" is the first song to really get head nodding. A punky feel to the band on this track and some nice melodic backing vocals gives the song some nice tunes.
"Evig Vandrar" brings in some acoustic elements and at about half way through you are seeing this album really do bring a bit more. I keep thinking it sounds like someone then changes before I can get there name. Not so much borrowing but stealing ideas and then throwing them back with the attitude that you had no idea how to use this song in the first place.
"Nekrokosmos" clocks in over six minutes and again taking influences from the metal bands of Norway they have to nail it and they do. More hooks and riffs hit you and I would love to see this band play big festivals but they may be just a little too much. But most people are lazy and may never really take a gamble and buy something they may not like. But there is something here for most fans of punk, rock and metal.
The band is a full on live act and "Tordenbrak" shows how good they play together. Still serving up melodic slices of tight guitar and vocals. The track helps bring the album to a very nice end.
So the difficult second album but I feel it is a real success. The band are daring the music public to move on and I feel this is what many people have to do. Meir means More in Norweigen and I think they have given us more. I hope album three is called You Had Enough Yet?
7/10
twitter: @29xthefun
Meir is available on Amazon
