Sólstafir has been quietly building a name for itself since their
formation in the mid-nineties,
apparently adopting a more black/viking style on their earlier
works but now branching into more post-black and post-rock territories.
To these ears, the best description of the style on Köld, courtesy
of another 'net reviewer, is
Primordial
crossed with
Neurosis,
with the vocals in particular often sounding quite similar to Alan of
Primordial.
Over the course of 70 minutes (most songs over 8 minutes in length)
there's plenty of light and shade, but with an overall sense of
icy winter that befits their homeland.
This band is coming into its own now, and deserving of a listen for those
into the more experimental side of atmospheric, post-black metal.
Recent album: Hin Helga Kvöl,
released on November 8, 2024.
