Virus
Carheart

After the disbandment of the legendary Ved Buens Ende, pioneers of "Fusion-Black Metal" (often mistakenly labeled as Avant-Garde Metal), multi-instrumentalist Carl-Michael Eide, despite being constantly engaged in bands such as Dødheimsgard and Cadaver, decided to form his own side project alongside bassist Petter Berntsen (formerly of Audiopain) and drummer Einar Sjurso (formerly of Beyond Dawn, Infernö), the Virus.

"Carheart" (2003) is an album that first and foremost must be understood. The listener will be faced with a new type of music, an unclassifiable sound, and will have to decide whether to delve deeper or abandon it. These raw sounds, especially for those who are not frequent listeners of Black Metal/Avant-Garde Metal, are quite hard to digest. But once your ear has warmed up, I swear you will be amazed by the brilliance of these guys.

Guitar, bass, and drums can be distinctly heard, yet at the same time sublime in their cohesion. Proof: "Road", perhaps the most beautiful song of the album. ? As if the three instruments were working for different pieces of music, yet together forming a complete work!

Their solos are never monstrously technical and overpowering. For example, the guitar and bass solos in "Gum Meet Mother" are simply exceptional, despite being understated: in my opinion, this is one of the most important strengths that distinguishes the band. Their "jazzy" Metal is unique.

Finally, the (sparsely present) hoarse voice of Eide, mixing a pseudo-growl with a falsetto crooner style, is spot-on. 

Therefore, a truly majestic album. I strongly recommend it, even to those who do not generally appreciate Metal.