KHOLD
Du Dømmes Til Død
(Soulseller Records)
32:56min

Norwegian Black Metallers KHOLD return with their eighth full-length album, “Du Dømmes Til Død,” which means – ‘you are sentenced to death’. The title itself sets the tone for what lies within the record – a journey into the dark and sinister realms of Norwegian history, exploring the fates of henchmen and condemned individuals. The album wastes no time in immersing the listener in its filthy and intense atmosphere, as the opening track, ‘Myrdynk’ sets the pace with its grim ambience and aggressive vocals delivered in the their native tongue. KHOLD’s musicianship lies in their ability to blend crushing riffs with haunting melodies, creating a broth like fusion of Heavy Metal and Black Metal elements. It is this distinctive style that may challenge some listeners, as it deviates from the traditional ice-cold sound typically associated with Black Metal. However, those with an open mind will discover a treasure trove of filthy and doomed compositions that draw influences from the likes of KING DIAMOND to the more recent sounds of DARKTHRONE. Standout tracks such as ‘Skoggangsmann’ (Forest Walker) exude a sense of foreboding with henchmenish atmosphere, further fueled by brute force vocal delivery reminiscing Tom Angelripper. The song’s rage and mid-tempo flow carry an ominous power that resonates throughout the album. This gripping intensity is maintained throughout the record, with tracks like ‘Trolldomsdømt’ (Convicted Of Sorcery), ‘Heks (Du Dømmes Til Død)’ (Witch, You Are Sentenced To Death) and ‘Vanviddfaren’ (The Frenzy). With a very warm and accessible production sound, courtesy of Andy La Rocque at Sonic Train Studios, KHOLD surely pushes the boundaries of the genre with their down-tuned, mid-paced compositions, brimming with groovy and unrelenting riffs. “Du Dømmes Til Død” compels one to delve into the band’s savage tales of doom repeatedly, earning the admiration and praise of those who likes to explore its depths. Soulseller Records making this available to grab with LP editions that come with double sided inserts and alternative cover art compared to the CD version. For more information about the band and label, please visit www.facebook.com/kholdofficial or www.facebook.com/soulsellerrecords.

Randolph Whateley

Randolph Whateley

Related reviews / interviews:
KHOLD - Svartsyn (Jaime Pérez)
KHOLD - Til Endes (Julián “Myr” Núñez)
KHOLD - Phantom (Frank Stöver)
KHOLD - Masterpiss Of Pain (Frank Stöver)

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