Metal Reviews

It was in the beginning of 1993 that a new Norwegian musical entity started to take form…

"Under the moniker of THULE and with the swift aid of a few session musicians, the sole creator of all compositions and writings, namely U. Høst, began to express himself through music inspired by the earliest Norwegian pioneers of the genre as well as rooted in 80's metal.

Two demos were crafted ("Der Vinterstormene Raste" 1993 and "Omfavnet Av Svarte Vinger" 1994) and as time passed by the bandname was changed into TAAKE, leading Høst ever closer to the essence of the band; in fact the epithet represents and should be connected to the livid fog which cloaks the seven mountains of his hometown Bjørgvin.

One more demo ("Manndaudsvinter" 1995) and a 7" EP ("Koldbrann I Jesu Marg" 1996 on Høst's own Mosegrodd Prod.) marked the intention to recreate old Norwegian sunless atmospheres, expressing national feelings and personal philosophy through lyrics mostly formulated in old Norwegian verse pattern and written in the old Runic alphabet. It was also relevant to keep the valuable, primeval aspects of Black Metal using a crude production, devoid of synth and unaffected by the latest retro thrash mode while hinting at traditional folk arias." (taken from the official website)

The main topic on this disc is 'Death'; well what else did you expect it to be about?

The Fluffy Bunny Wunnies of Dingley Dell?

I think not!!

This is Norwegian Black Metal at its finest, full of chilling atmosphere, blinding speed and sheer brutality. Add an excellent production, which has been severely lacking of late in the Black Metal Scene, and you have one monster of a disc on your hands.

Everything about the sound and feel of the entire disc is awesome, the power of the music, threatening and very atmospheric, the vocals which shriek and wail like a tortured banshee, the blinding speed at which it is played, then it just explodes with such venomous brutality that you need a shield to protect you from the aftermath.

All in all, this is one damn fine Black Metal album and I can sincerely say that, as I am not the biggest fan of this type of music. With the tracks simply written as I - VII there is no way I could tell you what each one is about, but 'Death' is the general feel.

Take my word for it; all you Black Metal Fans out there are going to love this. Dani Filth, take note! This lot are gunning for you!
You can catch Taake at the 'Under The Black Sun' Festival this summer (July 5th & 6th) at Wolfslake - Germany.

Takke official shrine: http://takke.cjb.net/