Naglfar
Vittra

THE REVIEW

"Vittra" is the dazzling debut of the Swedish band Naglfar. And if today Naglfar seem like one of the many bands that, neither good nor bad, populate the saturated world of Black Metal, I assure you that it was not always so: "Vittra" is not remotely comparable, in intensity and inspiration, to their later works, and to miss out on this little gem, alas now forgotten, would be a real venial sin. And I address particularly those who know Naglfar only incidentally and were not impressed: believe me, "Vittra" is a superlative work from every point of view: in terms of songwriting, execution, and atmosphere. And, twelve years after its release, it still appears fresh and engaging as it did back then.

Indeed, we are at the end of 1995, and on the heels of their compatriots Dissection, they are able to craft a Black Metal with strong epic overtones, without shying away from melody and emphasizing the influences of classic metal. And if a statement like this may legitimately perplex the fan of the hardest and purest Black Metal, I can assure you that in "Vittra", epic metal and the authentic Black Metal spirit miraculously coexist.

First of all, there's the convincing vocal performance of Jens Ridén, in my opinion one of the best singers in the scene: his inspired and fierce screaming, which without conceding anything to melody, is able to interpret the various moods that permeate the work, a sort of nighttime walk in the woods that ends up taking on the properties of a true initiation rite. The woods as a place of providential encounters, as a dimension filled with dangers and terror, but also as a passage towards greater awareness. "Nothing new under the moon," you might say; "let's remember," I respond, "that we are still in years when forests, werewolves, and full moons were not yet so in vogue."

And beyond the lyrics, which outline an engaging concept, it's the music that convinces: the clean sounds of Peter Tagtgren, here in one of his best performances as a producer, do full justice to the inspired work of guitarists Andreas Nilsson, author of all the music, and Morgan Hansson, who are torn between lively gallops and engaging melodic lines. Buzzing guitars sketch out passages reminiscent of Maiden, and the distorted bass of Kristoffer Olivius, also a singer, adds a touch of roughness to the whole and occasionally supports Ridén's shrill screams with deep growls.

The impetuous attack of the opener "As the Twilight Gave Birth to the Light" is thus a false alarm, as the rest of the album settles on mid-tempos which, thanks to a solid performance from session drummer Matte Homgren, are actually more suitable for a Power Metal album than Black.

The listening experience proceeds smoothly, gliding over Nilsson's melodic talent and driven by Ridén's exuberant performance. A dynamic and personal sound where winning ideas abound: how can we not mention the excellent solo in "Enslave the Astral Fortress", the intro (which seems to be borrowed from "Skydancer" by Dark Tranquillity) of "Through the Midnight Spheres", the majestic keyboards of "The Eclipse of Infernal Storms", the engaging final gallop of "Emerging from her Weepings", the romantic (almost filth-like) fading piano of "Failing Wings", the delicate nighttime arpeggios of the title track, prelude to the concluding "Sinless Dawn" and "Exalted above Thrones", the episode that more than any other gives us authentically Black Metal shivers.

The extreme accessibility of sounds and melodies ultimately makes "Vittra" an appealing dish even for those who are not truly fans of the genre. Believe me, those 5 stars are well deserved. Even if it doesn't invent anything new. Even if it doesn't do anything out of this world. Just for the ability to convey emotions and the professionalism with which the intent is fulfilled. Give it a try to believe it!