It’s finally Fall. The best of the seasons in my humble opinion, especially here in the Southwest where temperatures have been in the triple fucking digits. Granted there have been albums that lowered my mental temperature, but none have done what Mork has done with Seventh album Syv.

From the press release: Syv was performed, recorded & mixed by Eriksen himself, with engineering assisted by Freddy Holm (who also contributes with strings and synths). Mastering work on the album was carried out by studio mastering guru Maor Appelbaum (Sepultura) in collaboration with Jack Control at Enormous Door (Darkthrone). It’s this production that makes Syv a stellar Black Metal release, just in time for the Equinox.

“I tåkens virvel” is the grandiose opening track, and I say that because I wasn’t expecting what I got. A mid-paced Black Metal monster, not exactly Black ‘n’ Roll like Satyricon did on Age of Nero or Now, Diabolical, but it moves with that Blackened Rock beat that’s undeniable. This track channels some old-school Borknagar especially The Olden Domain era and I am all over it.

“Holmgang” brings the Kampfar in deft tempo changes and vocals that soar like ravens, the same goes for “Heksebål” and Mork are on fire, there’s not a bad song on the album, thanks to that granite solid production letting the music breath like a Nordic dragon. It’s uplifting in some ways, bringing a smile to the face; before it’s ripped off.

“Utbrent” brings the blasts to the fore. It’s also the first single, and it’s forceful riffing against the blitzkrieg created by the drumming and rumbling bass that’s like a 7.5 earthquake against your bleeding ears. But there’s so much going on in the middle of the track they slow down to writhing riffs. It’s a set-up for “Med døden til følge” another urgent, and kicking like a pissed-off stallion. Mork manage to mix different Black Metal styles together to make a nasty black posolé. It’s a captivating and bombastic delivery that only Mork could make possible.

“Ondt blod” brings the Watain and DHG discordance with a killer central riff and it’s followed by the immense brutality of “Tidans Tann” with it’s sabre-sharp riffing. But the show stopper is “Til syvende og sist” a whopper of an instrumental that has this badass middle section that moves with Enslaved like ocean tides, rolling with elements of deadly beauty.

For final track “Omme” they go full on Ulver, a traditional-sounding number that is as relaxing as it is ominous. A truly awesome way to close out this beast of a record. You constant readers who love Kampfar, Borknagar, Dødheimsgard and Taake will definitely enjoy this, it’s a fantastic Black Metal release and I guarantee it will be a favorite for you guys, as well.

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