After being dormant for eight years, Khold surprised the masses in 2022 with their comeback album, Svartsyn. And boy did they come back in a big way—completely erasing 2014’s Til endes from my memory. Reformed with all the key players and even feistier than ever, these Norwegian giants had me so convinced of their greatest that they made it on old Grier‘s top-ten list. Nothing made me happier that year than hearing Gald’s signature snarl and Sarke’s punishing drum work. Hell, I would have been happy just to hear the album, much less love it the way I do. Two years later, it looks as if the band is sticking around because now we have this year’s Du dømmes til død. The biggest difference between this new record and its predecessor is the recruitment of Sarke’s bass player, Steinar, and a trimmed and tight thirty-two-minute runtime. Not to mention that this is a concept album about various characters being condemned to the death penalty throughout Norwegian history. But can this new album keep me as engaged as their last with eight minutes less time to incorporate their unique songwriting style?
One thing is for sure, Khold no longer has any interest in returning to the days of Masterpiss of Pain and Phantom. Though the rhythm section continues to be a focal point, today’s Khold hits hard, bringing the vocals closer to the front for a gnarly effect. Against the best wishes of the black metal purists who want everything to sound like it was recorded in Holdy‘s bathroom, Khold modernizes their sound and even digs deep into the dynamics. For example (if you haven’t already scrolled to the bottom), Du dømmes til død is a gorgeous DR11. Yup, you read that right. The result is a black metal gem where you can hear every strum, bass pop, and snare hit without pulling out the weedwhacker.
“Myrdynk” begins with a mid-paced drone that Gard relentlessly vomits all over. It’s an odd choice for an opener because it doesn’t really go anywhere and only shows life when it passes into Chugville at the end. Unfortunately, it doesn’t set up the album in a way that would prepare you for what’s coming next. And, what comes next is “Vanviddfaren”—a black ‘n’ roll beauty with a hopping attitude. In the middle, it slogs along in Vreid territories before completely changing directions into a quasi-thrash lick that punches hard to the end. “Galgeberg og Retterbakke” is perhaps the most engaging song on the record. It’s an unapologetic cruiser that never lets up, morphing from one killer riff to another. The chorus, in particular, uses a crushing riff and memorable vocal performance that makes it a complete song.
But, the tracks with the most memorable choruses are “Skoggangsmann” and “Trolldomsdømt.” The first begins with a badass riff that transitions to a Sodom-like chorus. In a mere three-plus minutes, this song rises, falls, charges, and drags, making it difficult to figure out what’s coming next. But, before you know it, you’ll be belting out the song’s title with the same delivery as Gard. “Trolldomsdømt” is similar only in that you’ll want to learn a new language to participate in the chorus. While “Skoggangsmann” is a thumping piece, “Trolldomsdømt” has a more traditional black metal approach. It opens with distant, dissonant guitar play as Gard spits all over your bib. It eventually digs deeper into some old-school Darkthrone riffage before drawing out long sustains, with Sarke’s drum work pounding on your cranium until it concludes.
While I enjoyed Du dømmes til død, I’m afraid I like Svartsyn more. But, they’re only minor issues here. Unfortunately, they start at the beginning of the album. “Myrdynk” does not get me in the mood for a Khold record. It’s slow and surprisingly boring and only piques my interest as it’s ending. “Heks (Du dømmes til død)” is another I can’t get behind. It’s a fun piece but the weird bass work and the dissonant, Satyricon-esque sustains do nothing for me. But, in the end, Du dømmes til død still a solid album with some cool approaches to the songwriting—particularly, “Skoggangsmann” and “Galgeberg og Retterbakke.” And, with the impressive focus on the dynamics and its short runtime, it’s an easy album to put on repeat. Though it’s not quite up to par as their comeback album, fans will still enjoy Du dømmes til død and appreciate it for what it is.
Rating: 3.0/5.0
DR: 11 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: Soulseller Records
Website: facebook.com/khold.official
Releases Worldwide: March 22nd, 2024
