Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Vreid I Krig Company: Candlelight USA Release: 2007 Reviewer: Grim Gaijin Genre: Black, thrash

Rating 3.5

Perfectly blends black metal and thrash metal to create a sonic adventure of metal mayhem

Hailing from Sogndal, Norway, Vreid are here with their third dose of black/thrash metal mayhem. Titled I Krig (At War in English), Vreid have constructed 9 hymns of amazing metal that pierces through the soul with its daunting melodies and unique blend of additional instruments. With songs ranging from mid-tempo to blazing blast-beats, Vreid continue to impress more and more with each release.

The first couple of notes on the first song, Jarnbyrd, are played on an acoustic piano followed by light acoustic guitar songs. However, it does not take long for the metal to kick in as the thrashing-mad metal takes over, complimented by harsh black metal-style vocals. Interestingly, they throw in some cowbell hits right around the 2 minute mark as well as several more spots throughout the song. The song ends with some superior Enslaved-like riffs that blend perfectly with the rest of the song. The second song, Under Isen, is a bit faster and more in the realm of black metal. Just when the melody pulls you in, thrash metal riffs come through and generate more of an angry atmosphere. The title track is next and starts off with a chamber-music like orchestration, playing a dirge of death. An acoustic melody follows with some unique double bass and before too long, the pummeling blast beats bleed through. I Krig is probably my favorite song on the album as it is a true testament to the black metal genre. Vaepna Lengsel follows with more unique riffs and odd European-style drum beats. This song reminds me of the mighty Khold CD titled Phantom. The next song, Svart introduces several spots of clean vocals. Starting off with an acoustic intro, Svart turns into a mid paced black metal hymn in the vein of Enslaved. Some of the riff patterns even remind me of older Opeth. The next song, Folkefiendar, is a crushing thrash attack that introduces yet another singing style--the black metal vocals are vacated in favor of a more death metal sound. The seventh song, Dei Daude Steig Av Grav is a return to the traditional black metal sound - vocals included. The drums are minimalistic and the riffs are extremely melodic. The next song, Fangegard, demonstrates another superior thrash performance. Again sounding like classic Khold, Vreid blend in awesome acoustic riffs in several places of the song, making it a standout track on this CD. The final song, Millom Hav Og Fjell, has a traditional Norwegian folk appeal to it in the beginning but soon cruises into a mid-paced black metal hymn before fading into a minute-long piano outro.

Vreid have struck gold with their third CD. I Krig is an album that perfectly blends black metal and thrash metal to create a sonic adventure of metal mayhem. Taking additional risks by adding piano parts, orchestration, and a cowbell, is pulled off with ease as it adds an extra dimension to this recording that makes it stand out amongst other CD's of this genre. I highly recommend this CD for fans of newer Enslaved material.