Alverg "Elde" Soulseller Records (2009)

Alverg is a norwegian Black Metal band was founded in 2002 in Grimstad, Norway. The band was a couple members in the vein of classic sound from the past, but add new element like acustic guitars and piano atmospheric in the songs. Alverg release a demo in 2003 by independent label, and take a break for a few years, they was reactivated in 2005 and compose a few new songs for a new album.

Finally! in march 29th, 2009 we will present the first album “Elde” by Norwegian Alverg on vinyl for the very first time! Limited to 250 copies on black double vinyl, presented with gatefold outer sleeve, printed inner sleeves and instrumental bonus track! Absolute epic black metal masterpiece, must-own!. The members are: Heolstor in drums & Lóge in vocals & guitars. A blasphemous couple from the hell. 

The Track list is: 

Side A

01. Alverg

02. Gudsforlatt

03. Livets Skygger

04. En Pike Pa Seng Av Hvitt Linne

Side B

05. Syvfold

06. La Mag Fryse

07. Smerte

08. Svarthammeren

09. Towards The Kingdom Of Alverg

When a first ear the demo 2003, the sound was in the vein of Old School and I think the new album ear like this, my mind instantly thinks of all the bands keeping it old school, paying tribute to Mayhem, Darkthrone and many more; but the album is fast, unrelenting blasting. But Alverg certainly doesn’t fit into that category. In fact I wouldn’t call this pounding at all, but more of a slower atmospheric type of black metal. Amazing songs between ambient, Black Metal & folk. 

A great piano-piece starts the album instantly building to the sombre, bleak mood that is the backbone of "Elde". This is an extremely atmospheric album, where the riffs are heart-felt and the vocals reach into your core. Bnads like Enslaved or Ancient Wisdom feels inevitable to mention for comparison, as well as a small dose of Burzum albums. The tempo is rather slow for the most-part, but certainly not to the point of doom metal, follow in the vein of Black Metal. Vocally it’s fairly silent, almost just lurking in the background, cursing life itself. But what is Alverg’s strongest selling-point must be the riffs, since you can’t find warmer riffing that feels so chilling. There are some magnificent guitar lines to be found here, and together with the haunting vocals and skilled drumming they build up an amazing atmosphere. I can’t help but to be overwhelmed with emotions; negativity, darkness, depression and misanthropy burdening my inner essence.

Finally I say "Elde" is a one-hour long trip where you’ll be haunted by your own personal demons. Close the shades, turn off the lights, crawl up into foetal position and feel the weight of the world come down on you. Enjoy the album in the middle of night, is ideal soundtrack for Black Metal mind. 

Hail Alverg!!!