TAAKE

Ignoring any recent controversies by Hoest, I'm pleased to have the opportunity to review the latest album by the band Taake. I often find 'Troo Norwegian Black Metal' to be a little elitist and insular. Coupled with a production that I'm sure is intended to relieve the bands of fans (apart from the über-dedicated), it really just leaves me cold. But then, I guess that's the point; cold landscapes. Thankfully, Taake have turned that particular stereotype around by producing (note that word) an epic and groovy Black Metal album. Wonderfully composed and performed, the songs evoke images of frost-covered forests, ancient civilisations, and a good bit of comical warrior posturing. However, it is the production of this album that really grabbed my balls. Each instrument breathes freely in the mix, more so than on any other Black Metal album I've heard. The Celtic Frost influence is, of course, quite prominent (as well as some very Satyricon-alike riffing). Taake have given me that rare gift; a CD I would gladly listen to again and again. Very few releases I review gain my appreciation that much. An extremely worthy addition to anyone's extreme(ly) metal catalogue.

LABEL:

FORMAT:

Dark Essence Records

Album

TAAKE

Review by Steve Cowan

RUNNING TIME:

46:39

RELEASE DATE:

17th Nov 2008

TRACK LISTING

1) Atternatt
2) Umenneske
3) Lukt til Helvete
4) Doedsjarl
5) Motpol
6) September omsider
7) Velg bort Livet

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:

Norway

"Each instrument breathes freely in the mix, more so than on any other Black Metal album I've heard."