The 3rd And The Mortal
Nightswan

The 3rd and the Mortal, hailing from Trondheim (Norway), are one of the unjustly forgotten groups in the avant-garde metal or rock scene, depending on how one might define it.

Formed in the early nineties, they have released genuine gems that should not sound new to the most ardent fans of doom-gothic: I refer to works of the caliber of "Sorrow," "Tears Laid in Earth," or "Painting on Glass." This "Nightsawn" is a long EP (25 minutes!) characterized by a change at the microphone, from the delicate voice of Kari Rueslåtten to the operatic-dark vocalizations of the sweet Anne-Marie Edvardsen.

The experimentation is heightened, and the canons of metal are shattered, opened up towards folk-apocalyptic, symphonic ambient contaminations. "Neurosis" is the clear example of this, with its nine minutes of sonic madness ranging from the most classic gothic, to acoustic textures, very dark noise-ambient sounds, and seductive vocal harmonies where Anne-Marie's delicacy takes the lead. Truly talented and on par with Kari!
"From the Depth of Memories" is more straightforward, with a melody that is easily assimilated, enriched by a captivating final solo. A sad tear from the memories of a bleak past. In "The Meadow," madness returns with force. The ambience is very gloomy, the shamanic singing raves endlessly, and the few acoustic notes do not save us from the deepest oblivion. Incredible, a track like that after the sweet notes of the second track. Truly unpredictable.

It closes with "Vavonia," an instrumental track with just keyboards, painting foggy landscapes and the onset of dramatic omens. To be listened to at the edge of the forest during a cold winter evening. "Nightswan" is challenging, very particular and complex, based on rather convoluted structures. It is not the pseudo-romantic mash of the various pathetic Lacuna Coil, Evanescence, or Within Temptation, so those expecting melodious artifices of pure falsity should stay away, while a more "cultured" (musically, to be clear!) audience will find truly interesting cues.

With The 3rd and the Mortal, the journey into the mystery of their homeland is guaranteed. Genius.