Bizarrekult are a Norwegian post-black metal band and this is their third album.
2023’s Den Tapte Krigen was a notable record, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the band live in 2024. Alt Som Finnes is one I’ve been looking forward to, so let’s get right to it. Across these 44 minutes, have Bizarrekult delivered the goods?
They absolutely have.
Very lazily, I’ll let the promo blurb describe the Bizzarekult sound on Alt Som Finnes – “…the album balances raw old-school intensity with expansive post-metal atmosphere, pairing dissonant riffs and blistering howls with moments of fragile clarity.” I like this description, hence the quote.
I’ve always loved Bizarrekult’s ability to channel both old and new black metal. The primary artist behind the band is a very capable songwriter, and his skill only seems to be improving. Equally at home going old-school with icy second wave blackened groove or unleashing resplendent post-blackened fragility, Bizarrekult’s range is as satisfying as it is well-rendered. This scope could easily sound unnatural or forced in lesser hands, but the songwriting and delivery are both strong across Alt Som Finnes, making for a very enjoyable collection of tracks.
Alt Som Finnes establishes its credentials early on, and doesn’t dip in quality throughout its running time. Dark melodies and blackened riffs abound across Alt Som Finnes. It’s also a record ripe with esoteric atmosphere, allowing the music to exist between instant appeal and lasting substance. Not content with just this, there are modern components that add further layers to the music. This could be a dissonant guitar line, a resplendent melody, an exploration of intricacy, or something else; Alt Som Finnes exists in realms both ancient and contemporary.
Guest vocalists from Dødheimsgard, MØL, and Cross Bringer/Predatory Void also make appearances on Alt Som Finnes. Each singer actually adds something to the songs they’re on, which is not something that can commonly be said. Spread equally through the tracklist, these guest spots bring an unexpected enhancement to the record.
Alt Som Finnes is well-recorded and has a satisfying sound. The album is easy to replay, in part because of its production values, but chiefly because of the compelling set of songs that the album boasts.
I think you can make a very solid case for Alt Som Finnes being Bizarrekult’s best album. I would certainly advocate for this.
Essential listening.
Wonderbox Metal 