Taake and Helheim, two undoubtedly well established names in the world of black metal, joined forces to release a split. The Taake/Helheim split was released in March 2021 by Dark Essence Records.
This split comprises only four songs. Taake introduces two new songs – “Brotne Bein og Mannefall” and “Ein Baat i Foss” – both incorporate lyrics by the former Norwegian writer Arne Garbor. Helheim contributes to this album with two covers – “Orkan” (by Taake himself) and “Heksesabbat” (Witches Sabbath by Emperor).
Those already familiar with the Norwegian’s Taake, know that they tend to use aggressive and cold tones, filled with fast and high riffs. In the songs presented in this split album, Taake explores a ”calmer” version of their sonority. Nonetheless, they manage to introduce slower riffs and quieter sounds without losing their darker ambience.
Helheim, as already mentioned, introduced two covers. With ”Orkan”, Helheim gives us a different version of the original by Taake – this is a slower and calmer version compared with the original. This version is shorter and the typical black metal ”screams” were replaced by clean vocals. “Heksesabbat” is also a slower version but with ragged screams that seem to originate from unknown dark depths. This cover closes the album with slower riffs that transpire a sense of tranquility.
This small split album leaves the listener amid a turmoil of emotions, showcasing different sororities from what they had gotten the fans used to. It is in general a good album and proves that quantity doesn’t define quality!
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