BIOGRAPHY
The band's name means (Originally Heathen) "Sacrifice" in Scandinavian. Blot is a viking/black band that was founded back in 2007 in Kristiansand, Norway. The band consists of the trio Ruben Gentékos (guitar, vocals), Bengt Orstad (guitar) & Jan Åge Lindeland (vocals).
They released an EP in 2009 and have finally released their debut album named "Ilddyrking" ("Worship Of Fire") in October 14, 2015. They are a unsigned band, but (But will soon release several tracks digitally through Chaos Productions).
It's not a massive discovery that Norway is an absolute champion in producing good black metal bands. However, it still makes me excited when something like Blot comes along. With their debut album, Ilddyrking, the band takes on the proven yet quite impressive approach to music.
Ilddyrking seems to be an album that puts its message through straight away. That's a definite advantage as it can clearly classify the band and what they want to achieve. There is certainly a Norwegian feel to it which in terms of viking black metal, is for me imperative. The band strongly draws inspiration from the Norwegian metal roots but their inventiveness is noticeable in every song.
It's not difficult to find any reasons why Ilddyrking is an outstanding album. The short acoustic intro takes into the unconquered land of Blot viciously attacking you from the very start. The traditional perspective of vocals strongly remind me of Taake's Hoest but this gives the overall feel much more fury. Also, several folk references and tranquil melodies act as a perfect addition to the overall aggression of Ilddyrking. My definite favourite, Fimbulwinter, is a proper black metal track which brings the atmosphere of a ruthless war. I think that this song is a trademark of the band indicating what they are all about. Vikings on the loose are absolutely stepping in and spreading their rage in Fimbulwinter!
Production of Ilddyrking stands out as well. Everything seems to be very crisp and audible. I think it makes the album approachable even for someone a bit skeptical of more viking black metal tunes. They know what they are doing and proving it on their debut album is an immediate success in my opinion.
Also, as a great surprise, my beloved Dissection song has been covered! Where Dead Angels Lie is a quite challenging track to be approached but I must say that Blot did not ruin it at all. They gave it a nice Blot touch and interpreted it in their own way which sounds thrilling. This is what I call a superior supplement of an excellent debut album!
They set the bar reasonably high as for the debut album. I really do hope it's a sign of the bright future for Blot with a number of great releases to come. Ilddyrking is a foretaste of Blot's potential and excellent musicianship that, I hope, will soon be appreciated by the broader audience. (Originally written for The Goat Tavern: http://www.thegoattavern.net).
The songs that constitute «Ilddyrking» are all quite diverse and dynamic. The tempos vary, the riffs and melodies are catchy and evoke a sense of the sublime, the sound is punchy and heavy, and the band as a whole sounds tight and focused. While the vocals could have been slightly more varied, the album as a whole is highly atmospheric and nicely arranged. It is neither boring nor tedious in any way. Sure, «Ilddyrking» is not exactly innovative as such, but the band has a sound and an identity of its own, which is more than one can say about a lot of other bands out there today. By the way, the album closer is a cover of Dissection's «Where Dead Angels Lie», which, although not fantastic, is a decent (re)interpretation of that old classic tune.
There is a lot of talent and potential on display here, and it will be interesting to follow this band in the future. «Ilddyrking» already sounds refined and massive, and this is the band's debut album we are talking about here, for crying out loud. Who knows what these guys might accomplish in the years to come? If Viking metal/black metal is your thing then I suggest that you immediately check this release out. It should be available digitally as well by the time you read this. ( Originally written for The Eternal Terror Webzine: http://www.eternal-terror.com/reviews/index.php?id=4953&type=B).
Status: Active
Years active: 2007-Present
LINE UP
Ruben Gentékos – Guitars and Vocals
Bengt Orstad – Guitars
Jan Åge Lindeland – Vocals
Stig Reinhardtsen – Drums (live)
Osvald Egeland - Bass (live)
Country of origin: Norway
Location:Vest-Agder
Genre: Folk/Black Metal| Viking Metal
Current Label: Unsigned/Independent
CEO: Ruben Gentékos
Booking/Press Contact: blot.norway@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blotnorway
Myspace: http://myspace.com/blotmusic
Merch: http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/Blot
DISCOGRAPHY
Ilddyrking (Full-Length Album - 2015)
Blot (EP - 2009)
