Lifvsleda are a Swedish black metal band and this is their third album.
Evangelii Härold brings us 48 minutes of classic-style second wave Scandinavian black metal. Lifvsleda appear to know the genre inside and out, and on Evangelii Härold deliver a display of artistry that’s compelling.
Steeped in occult atmosphere and ritualistic darkness, Evangelii Härold stalks the ether like a predator. Atmospheric immersion is the music’s driving force, and this manifests in various ways across the album. Whether via blistering aggression, martial power, melodic depth, percussive nuance, or blasphemous utterances, Lifvsleda transport the listener to esoteric underworlds, where they rule with an iron fist and a heart of grim darkness.
One of the most striking features of Evangelii Härold is the use of melody. Interestingly, this is not wielded in an overt in-your-face manner, but rather is deployed with subtle grace and strategic intelligence. Lifvsleda are adept at embedding melody firmly into the fabric of their music, making for a rich tapestry that’s worth exploring over time. The melodies are spectral and moreish, working their way into the core of your being, urging you to drink deep of the forbidden knowledge they offer.
The well-crafted songs on Evangelii Härold offer a wealth of blackened treasure to explore. Lifvsleda’s music is an expressive hymn to second wave splendour, and offers adherents of the style many hours of immersive absorption.
Wonderbox Metal 