Konungar "First Blood" CD

Self released CD-R

On February 14th, a self-produced EP was released, the antithesis of romanticism, called First Blood. The authors? A small band formed in 2011 in the Paris region (more precisely in Vanves) whose name means "king" in Swedish, Konungar. Why did so much time pass between the formation of the band and the release of the EP, you ask yourself. The band notably encountered some difficulties in establishing a stable line-up. This being done, we can now find Arnbjorn on guitar, Hjalmarr on vocals and bass, and Karl on drums.
The trio officiates in a Viking black tinged with death. The Viking story is transcribed through the lyrics, and unfortunately, I would say that it pretty much stops there: we would have appreciated melodies that would evoke this universe more. Instead, we are mainly dealing with a black metal that is quite basic. The poverty of the riffs and the lack of intensity in the voice give a set that is ultimately not very varied and bland, and does not allow to give a real identity to the pieces. It must be said that the production does not help to highlight all this and to bring more panache to the compositions. Where Konungar does more honorably is in the fastest passages. There is nevertheless a piece that stands out from the others and is much more convincing, "Springfest". The guitar introduction announces something more epic, and that is exactly what was essentially missing on this album. We can't help but think "Finally!". We therefore end this EP on a lively, even festive note, which is not to displease us, and which thus allows us to end on a more positive impression.
Konungar has potential, the last track of the album is proof of this. All that remains is to bring a better quality production in order to highlight the compositions more and thus make them more energetic.

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