Black metal has been well known to encapsulate many things in its long run and many different branches of exploration. While it tends to be more towards the violent and caustic reaches that black metal has become known for, I find it very interesting to see the surge in the acceptance of what emotions black metal can bring to the table with all sorts of color infused into many works to explore what can still be achieved from a different mindset. Lysbaerer has only been putting out material for two years now, but it’s with the arrival of their next album that the Danish duo is onto something that’s indicative of the new paths black metal has made for itself.

It’s one thing to bring a level of atmosphere to your mix, but it’s another thing altogether to bring real weight and substance to those liminal spaces and allow the comparatively quiet take on a life of its own that’s dynamic, flavorful, and integral to the sound that the band in question is striving to put together. By all accounts, it’s a lofty a goal that not many are able to achieve. Lysbaerer may not be the most obvious band in this particular corner of black metal, yet it’s with each minute of “Trolddom” that this act taps into the overwhelming potential that this side of black metal has long boasted. Right from the beginning, it’s apparent that this is a creation that strives to dig deep and engage with its listener. Tackling themes that deal with the witch burnings that occurred throughout the 18th century, it’s not so much as the damning flames that Lysbaerer focuses more on the emotions that surrounded it all from the dread, sorrow, and bone-chilling terror that comes from the fear of persecution by fire. All of this is brought to life gorgeously by the expansive black metal that “Trolddom” commands to magnificent effect. Capable of far more than simple riffs and a few notes on a keyboard, this record quickly becomes its own fascinating entity that is undeniably engrossing from beginning to end.

Ethereal and downright entrancing for what it dares to become, what Lysbaerer offers us here is a clear sign of one of the many directions that black metal has taken in recent times with practically every moment of this record a tremendous testament to the awesome power that’s offer throughout these five immersive tracks. It’s the continuation of a band’s exploration into what’s possible. For all that it is, “Trolddom” is nothing if not gorgeous from top to bottom.

“Trolddom” releases on February 27th!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Trolddom” on Bandcamp here or via YouTube below.

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