Off the back of their impressive self-titled EP that my colleague FelixS lauded for its blistering Black Metal onslaught with an almost Pagan-like melodicism comes the debut album of the Swedish act Blodtår. And ‘Det Förtegna Förflutna’, which translates to ‘The Secretive and Quiet Past’, doesn’t disappoint. What made the band’s first EP quite a standout release was the sharp and raging Black Metal infused with Pagan melodies, something we immediately are served once the folk-inspired main riff of ‘En Krona av Is’ (‘A Crown of Ice’) kicks off the album. Main songwriter Carl’s intention with the album was to shine light on the increasing neglect of the Scandinavian cultural heritage, and the songs on the debut album connect themes like Northern folklore, Scandinavian nature and mythological beings, with each telling a different story. And they do so very successfully.
Compared to their EP, the sound of the guitar is a little less sharp, instead opening room for a richer bass sound and a touch more focus on the Pagan riffs. Where parallels with Sorhin were previously drawn, the emphasis on ‘Det Förtegna Förflutna’ has shifted slightly further towards the Folk and Pagan melodicism, adding hints of Windir and even some distant references to very old Ulver. Blodtår still frequently incorporate ferocious sections in their music though, retaining that rather unique sound that marked the band’s EP. With melodies that even border on Dissection at times, ‘Det Förtegna Förflutna’ does a wonderful job of evoking the spectrum of emotions that come with tales of the diverse nature of the Scandinavian culture and environment, from the harsh and piercing to the soothing and entrancing.
The style of Blodtår is beautifully captured in all its diversity in a song such as ‘Ur Mörker’ (‘Of Darkness’). ‘Den Fördärvade Sorgbundenheten’ (‘The Devastating Grief’) is an equally stunning example of what the band has to offer, even adding some clean backing vocals in addition to the harsh screams that grace the album. But while many of the songs incorporate some blazing sections, tracks that highlight their Folk penchant such as the mid-paced ‘Uttala Des Namn’ (‘Speak Its Name’) or even the fully acoustic ‘Gånglåt’ (‘Walking Tune’) are equally striking. ‘Det Förtegna Förflutna’ is one of those albums where the connoisseur immediately recognizes the ties to the Nordvis Produktion label. Its sound, style and songwriting qualities all fit perfectly with the label, and as far as I’m concerned Blodtår’s debut album proves to be a more than worthy addition to the roster.
