Throughout the realm of Scandinavia, I think it’s safe to say that metal has never been more at home. The harsh but gorgeous countries that make up the region have produced some of the best metal that the world has ever seen as we continue to revere those regions to this very day, and they just keep on giving. Every year gives us several new pieces to fall in love with, and it’s after five years that Genfærd has returned with their sophomore effort with such potency and devastation that it does nothing but justice for all things black metal in Scandinavia.

It’s oftentimes that the most potent of creations are the ones that can easily be considered some of the most simple. Black metal has long been a creation that has thrived in the worlds of both innovation and traditionalism as we can see thousands of different bands attacking each in earnest as they strive to either keep a classic sound alive under a different name or to make a sound that is wholly their own. When it comes to Genfærd, it’s definitely more of the “typical” black metal experience that we’ve come to know, but it’s all throughout their second effort of “Blodhævn” that we see the act deliver the power in such a form that they’re still striving to make their own whilst still revering that classic sound in a modern form. That’s something that many contemporary bands strive for and achieve on a daily basis, but there’s a special sense of intoxication that’s to be found within these nine blistering tracks. Between the riffs and unquenchable bloodthirsty that permeates the great entirety of “Blodhævn”, it’s hard to argue that this isn’t a record that feels tailor-made for the modern black metal fan who just wants something visceral to sink their teeth into while getting batted around left and right as Genfærd dominates at virtually every turn to make for a record that’s as well-rounded as it is unforgiving, and any avid fans of the style would be remiss to gloss over this bloody satisfying effort.

This is far from anything that can and should be considered groundbreaking by any standards, but that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a ton of enjoyment to be had within what’s offered as it’s got virtually everything that a person could ask for out of a release like this with Genfærd consistently delivering in a way that’s no less than massive. “Blodhævn” is a work that many will find extremely easy to fall into since it’s a ton of what we’ve come to love and expect out of the sprawling world of true glory that is black metal.

LISTEN to “Blodhævn” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Genfærd on Facebook here.