Svartidauði have made unpleasantries their business for some time now. But despite a loyal cult following, they’ve hardly been prolific. In times when a large number of black metal bands are trying to not sound black metal, Svartidauði revels in what once pushed people away and certainly did not recruit hipsters in droves.

Barbaric and thoughtful at the same time, it’s in the latter that they have subtly elevated themselves above genre standards while remaining true to some of the conventions that made black metal one of the unfriendliest forms of music. The difference is in the layering of discordant chord-tones and simple yet organic drums. All of which compliment one another to create a methodical whole.

There’s a tangible love for the craft of black metal but not a forced breakaway from it. Self-destruction and misanthropy run amok. Either you choose to endure it or get the hell out of the kitchen before you get hurt.