Artist: Enevelde / Gjendød
Country: Norway
Label: Terratur Possessions
Formats: LP / CD
Year: 2026
Some years ago, Terratur Possessions used to frequently release splits. But since the last one (between Whoredom Rife and Taake) dated from 2020 it seemed to me those had become a thing of the past, focussing on full-lengths instead. Needless to say, ‘Elegier fra Avgrunnen’ came as a bit of a surprise. Not just because of the nature of the release, but also the bands featured on it. Like that previous last released Split, we find one band with strong ties to the label on one side, while the other makes their debut on the Terratur Possessions roster. We’re talking off course about the collaboration between Enevelde on one side, and one of the most prolific bands from the Trondheim / Trøndelag region, Gjendød on the other.
With the fifth release since the 2020 debut, Enevelde has been producing new releases at a respectable pace. While the common denominator might be bleak and desolate Black Metal, B. Kråbøl has opted for a slightly different atmosphere and the four songs on ‘Elegier fra Avgrunnen’ are no exception. While normally early Ulver, Borknagar and Satyricon may not be commonly used references for Envelde, the links to nature and folklore that those bands so carefully embedded into their music seem more strongly present in these new tracks. The clean vocal intro to ‘Ut av deg Selv’ might be the most obvious example, but one also cannot deny the epic undertone in ‘Langt fra Umaken Verdt’. Perhaps it’s confirmation bias, but more than once I had the feeling there was a purposeful nod to their Split partner in the type of riffs. This is most obvious in ‘Fødselsdefekt’, but also through the delightful meandering role of the bass in these tracks. Impressive is how seamless B. Kråbøl has integrated these elements into an overall more open sounding recording, while retaining the eerie atmosphere of the previous recordings. Especially the third track ‘På Dødelige Terskler’ is gnarly, with great riff progressions and tormented screams. It remains impressive how B. Kråbøl continues to develop Enevelde, exploring new elements while remaining so recognisable.
And we haven’t even spoken of Gjendød yet. To those that happen upon my reviews it may not come as a surprise that the Terratur Possessions label is one that I value very highly. But the band that to me ranks amongst the most interesting current bands from Norway that are not part of that label, is actually Gjendød. These four new tracks were recorded in the same time period as 2024’s ‘Livskramper’, the band’s fifth album. Therefore musically, the material fits quite well with that album, although these songs are probably slightly more atmospheric, like a mix of ‘Livskramper and ‘I Utakt med Verden’. Like the Enevelde side, the echoes of Ulver, Borknagar, Satyricon and Enslaved are obvious, and there is a strong sense of nature and Folklore in the rather epic aura of the tracks. As always, the bass play of Gjendød is rich and adventurous, and really an instrument that stands its own ground. The songs have a great sense of rhythm and groove, and in particular ‘Mennesketårnet Faller’ is fantastic, ranging from snarling sharp riffs and drum bursts to a proper 70’s inspired melodic Rock section that sounds to me as Jethro Tull gone Black Metal. Simply excellent compositions and interesting dynamics.
It seems both bands here came together stylistically and embraced the theme of nature and Folklore inspired Black Metal while still giving it their own twists. For Gjendød, a missing link between two quite different records that are impressive in their own rights, ‘I Utakt med Verden’ and ‘Livskramper’, while for Enevelde it marries the natural theme effortlessly with their oppressive and dark formula. If anything, this split is a testimony of two bands with immaculate sense of songwriting and historical perspective, that continue to honor the passion and richness of Norwegian Black Metal history in impressive fashion.
