This is the fourth album from Swedish black metallers Istapp.
Brought to us by current/ex-members of bands such as Entrails, Necrophagous, Soijl, and Visceral Bleeding, Sól Tér Sortna contains 45 minutes of sharp and fast melodic black metal.
Istapp’s style is old-school melodic black metal, and should appeal to fans of the style, from Dissection to Ninkharsag. The vocals mainly consist of harsh screams and epic cleans. The latter are particularly striking, as they ring out clear and bold from the music when they are deployed.
Sól Tér Sortna is cold and wintry, yet has a bright melodic bite to go along with its icy aggression. Synths add an equally old-school symphonic aspect, allowing the band to deepen the atmospheres that the melodies craft. The album has somewhat of a folk metal feel in places too, especially when the melodies are upbeat and energetic, and the vocals huge and soaring.
This is a well-written album, from a band that clearly know what they’re doing. The frosted guitars wear away your resistance, while the atmospheres immerse you Istapp’s frozen world.
Recommended for fans of the style.
Wonderbox Metal 