Collector's Edition in Digipack, limited to 1900 copies.
After many years of waiting, here we have what is actually the debut full length album for Nasheim. Sole remaining member Erik Grahn has emerged from obscurity with what is an astonishing piece of atmospheric black metal. After a great epic track on the split with Angantyr, I have long looked forward to hearing more from this artist and although long, the wait has definitely been worth it. Every second of these four lengthy tracks has been crafted to near perfection.
The song structures presented are fairly straightforward, but incredibly effective. Layered guitars and pounding drums abound, often with clean guitar or acoustic overlays, and occasionally some layered mournful choral backing vocals. While mostly proceeding at a mid-paced tempo, there are quite a few slower, almost sparse sections, as well as one or two faster parts (such as the start of the second track, Jag Fyller Min Bägare Med Tomhet). All through, the atmosphere is drenched in melancholy, as one might expect with the title, Solens Vemod, which translates as The Sun’s Sadness.
Special mention must go to the vocals which are incredible on this album. Erik is a very expressive and powerful vocalist, with deep mourning screams that never get tiring. They really are a highlight here, especially in the fourth and final track, Vördnad, where they only appear for a few lines amongst a mostly slow instrumental track, but leave a cold, eerie sensation resonating down your spine.
Overall the production is great. Quite a rich sound, with lots of bass in the mix. Unfortunately it still involves programmed drums, but these are certainly not the worst that I have heard. There also appears to have been no mastering done on this album as the levels are quite low, so you will really need to crank this up. Minor criticisms really for an album that is nearly flawless and one that I have not been able to stop playing since its arrival in the mail.
Solens Vemod is absolutely recommended for those who like quality atmospheric black metal. Although parts here and there might remind me of certain bands, it is only ever momentary as this band successfully achieve its own unique flavour and for me sits up there with the best of this genre.
Sample:
Nasheim - Solens Vemod (Full Album)
