Millions upon millions of bands go for a very emotional driving force that allows their music to hit their mark. That allows for the bands in question to make an album centered around a single emotion to make an upbeat mover, a conflicting battle, or a somber tale. Metal tends to be all over the place, but with their latest record, Hamferð goes for the latter of those three with their special blend of death and doom metal. The ensuing material is very emotive and one that’s sure to connect with the dreary souls of many.

I’m no stranger to an album motivated by a sound that’s powered by the weariness of the soul as a lot of doom and black metal can take on that form. Yes, it all comes with varying results, but Hamferð’s approach with their upcoming piece, “Támsins Likam”, sounding very interesting almost immediately from the very first song that manages to lay the foundations for the entire album. What ensues are six tracks that stretch out over 40 minutes to create an opus of sorrow and desolation as Hamferð lays down some death/doom metal that’s far from the heaviest there is but they manage to make it work by incorporating earth-shaking riffs and a scrumptious atmosphere that absolutely carries “Támsins Likam” from start to finish. And don’t dare to think that Hamferð follows the formula that many death/doom groups do as well simply because Hamferð throws in something that the rest don’t – clean vocals. Such a thing can really make or break an album (especially in today’s metal climate), but “Támsins Likam” has cleans executed at the perfect moments to allow the atmosphere to take on a different light albeit still dark. Hamferð continues to surprise the listener throughout the record in order to ensure that “Támsins Likam” didn’t become a stale piece that’s all but two-dimensional. All things considered, this band pulled it off without a single fucking hitch.

While I’m not an avid fan of what the realm of death/doom has to offer, I’m far from a stranger and what “Támsins Likam” throws down is something that can easily find an audience in the fan base of death/doom extremely easy as it is a special flavor that’ll be like honey to those who hear it – sweet and all too satisfying. Hamferð has continued their upward trajectory as a band, and I can only imagine that with future releases these guys will only become grander in sound and more exquisite in style. I’m willing to bet money on it.

“Támsins Likam” releases on January 12th via Metal Blade Records!

PRE-ORDER “Támsins Likam” via iTunes here.

LIKE Hamferð on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Hamferð on Twitter: @hamferd