Album Review: Ormskrik - Ormskrik
Reviewed by Carl Black
Just as fjords and mountains are in the DNA make up of Norway, black metal is in the DNA of every metal band from that Scandinavian country. It's intertwined in the genetic make up and Ormskrik are a fine example of this birth defect. They are a band, still in their teens but have been together since 2015. In that time, they have developed a unique sound that’s a cross between Mastodon and Entombed (as they were coming out of the pure grind sound but before they went full rock, think Hollow Man era). But then they splatter the album with black metal breaks that are not necessary and a little unwelcome if I'm being honest. It like when most metalcore bands who are starting out feel obligated to put some clean vocals into a hard song, usually at the chorus, weather the song needs it or not, so do Ormskrik spatter their songs with the ghost of the church burning pioneers, weather the song needs it or not.
The first song, 'Occultness' is a stark example of this. It’s a harsh song that gives way to almost hardcore type riffs. And then from out of nowhere, black metal. 'Descends to Madness' has overtones of early Sepultra, crashing along nicely… bang... black metal. 'Hecatomb' a nod to Lamb of God… bang… black metal. The best songs are when the band deny their native instinct and allow their true colours to shine through. 'March of the Dead' pounds along with a bulky, dirty riff. 'The Morbid Arrives' has a driving riff broken up with a slower middle section. 'Deathwind' is a fantastic song (best on the album) with a slightly off kilter time signature which verges on prog at times. The only time the black metal sits nicely is on the last song 'Eye for an Eye', which is a collection of contrasting styles that are placed next to each other. It could have come out a bit disjointed but it works well.
I hope in the future Ormskrik leave their native shores and realise that the black metal can stay at home. Someone at some point said to Slayer all those years ago that the black leather and studded outfits were not necessary. They dropped all that stuff, recorded Reign in Blood and the rest is history. I hope Ormskrik have a close confidante who can tell them the same.
