SOLEFALD

Release Year: 2008
Artist Origin: NOR
Style: intricate sweeping avantgarde black metal

like many mid nineties bands established in abundant black metal soil, creative Norwegians did not fit within standard boundaries of the genre from the very beginning, feeling constrained by limitations, searched for more dynamic ideas: inherent pagan mindset did not prevent them from delving into philosophy, exploring intriguing visual concepts, and crafting subtly provocative, appealingly avantgarde yet still strict and mesmerizing music, where both black metal ferocity and playful, tradition-defying experimentation coexist, effectively enriched by the contrast between clean and harsh vocals - impressive debut eight-track full-length [1997] made some listeners squirm, while others were captivated by its unexpected boldness, intellectual depth and unpredictable creative character, far exceeding expectations; recent British super jewel box edition