Ancient – Svartalvheim (1994)

February 9, 2025

The vibes are a bit “off” with Anciet, if you’ll permit me using Gen-Z speech for a moment. They certainly have their own unique edge, which is special to me considering that they are part of that early 90s Norwegian wave of bands. On Svartalvheim (what a record sleeve, btw), the usual black metal necro shittery is witheld with a servicable production courtesy of Cato Langnes, and accentuated by unusual and sometimes anxious atmospheres permeating the tracks. Like I said, something just feels off, but if anything it piques your interest more. Great stuff.