The DevilsHorns

Vaarwel may not be a household name to many, but under the moniker Frozen Ocean, he has been releasing ‘atmospheric’ black metal for over 20 years (Isn’t all black metal atmospheric? I digress). Askdrömmar is the latest release.

The album opens with ‘Mångata’. With a persistent riff and a rumbling bass, it welcomes you in, but never quite shakes your hand and smiles. It does have a fuzzy riff which only serves to make you think that the welcome could have been warmer.

opening riff, to the excellent rhythm section – everything is in sync. The piano is a wonderful touch, accentuating the track and raising it above the bar.

The best way to describe Askdrömmar is intriguing. ‘Of Gods and Men’ has an almost sludge-like tone and riff. ‘Idiocracy’reminded me of the long-forgotten British band Pitchshifter with its futuristic electronica. ‘Deserter’ is another song with ‘intriguing’ written in my notes. The gruff vocals are supported by an intense guitar, but the impact is softened by the keys. Whilst the song doesn’t quite challenge you, it encourages you to pay attention. It wants you to feel any nuance it presents.

The only real complaint you can have across the, short, almost 37 minute run-time is that the tone of the album, and song structure borders on repetition. The 9 tracks on offer sit under 4 or 5 minutes, apart from the closer, and the album does benefit from this. But there is something that just prevents Askdrömmar from catching fire. This does drag it down a tickle.

Vaarwel is a very talented man. Sometimes, on a one-person solo project, the lack of editing is very apparent. To his credit, Vaarwel never falls foul of this, which is why Askdrömmar is worthy of more listens. This is potentially a grower, should the repetitive structure not grate.

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