Finnish black metal band, Noitasapatti is about to release their second studio album, Sankarin Matka; out on the 29th of November through Inverse Records. The band has been meticulously crafting the album in their home studio for the past two years and despite many setbacks, it’s finally complete.
Now, this is the first time I’ve heard of Noitasapatti and I am not familiar with their sound at all, so let’s dive right in and hear what they’re all about.
The album opens up with an instrumental piece – greeted by an acoustic guitar, the immediate impression I get is a feeling of sadness or being lost, with a pinch of hopefulness mixed in. The drums and distorted guitar join in and informs one that there is certain seriousness to this situation. It then opens up and makes space for some piano to add to the sinister, yet exciting buildup for what’s to come.
As Tuhatkasvoinen hits our eardrums, we’re welcomed by a howling scream and a stunning wall of sound constructed by the instruments of blackness. I’m immediately thrown back to the trve kvlt stuff I loved so much in my earlier years. The lo-fi recording, dreamlike and haunting soundscapes, as well as the raw, authentic feel is a recipe for old school black metal goodness. Don’t for a second think that means that there’s nothing new or inventive about this album; interesting chord choices, enchanting acoustic passages, groovy hooks; hell, there’s even an organ!
Paluu Liekkeihin is a very well written and sinister sounding track – from the submerged and ghostly intro riff to the otherworldly dialogue and haunting strings, this is a captivating piece. I really like the guitar work on Matka Halki Myrskyjen; some soul-bending action on the whammy bar and a couple of stabbing pinch harmonics sprinkled in like some spicy peppers.
Sankarin Matka translates to “Hero’s Journey” and looking at the song titles, it comes as no surprise that the lyrics are also in Finnish. It has a very ethereal, dreamlike feel to it, which makes me think of Burzum in numerous instances. It’s not perfect (no shit, it’s black metal), but there’s definitely potential for improvement and refinement; it’s always nice to have some space to play and grow.
Sankarin Matka has indeed been quite the journey and after listening to it, I feel somewhat compelled to wander into the woods at night, howling at the moon, and whispering ancient secrets to the creatures of the undergrowth.
-Lunis Voidbright-