With “Hordalands Doedskvad”, TAAKE ended their musical trilogy, beginning with “Nattestid”, continuing with “Bjorgevin”, and finally, concluding with “Doedskvad”. Now, the world may have the beginnings of another trilogy on its hands with the self titled album, inevitably called “Taake”, released just last October. As always, Hoest begins with a melodic, wolfish rasp that introduces the guitars, bass and drums. While not as fast as its predecessor “Doedskvad”, the new album is every bit as majestic. There is a more obvious infusion of Norwegian folk, and far more slow passages wherein the band has appeared to prioritize cold, damp atmospheres over sheer speed. Perhaps they have always done this, but it is exceedingly observable here. TAAKE are unusually unique for a Black Metal band, with very little to compare them to aside from their equally unique countrymen WINDIR. They are a band that influences, not the other way around. www.myspace.com/taakeofficial