Taake – Et Hav Av Avstand
Release Date: 1st September 2023
Label: Dark Essence Records
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Genre: Black Metal, Atmospheric Black Metal, Blackgaze.
FFO: Gorgoroth, Kampfar, Mayhem, Darkthrone.
Review By: Carlos Tirado
Taake holds a significant place within the realm of Black metal as a classic act. Its historical significance within the genre is highlighted by albums like Nattestid Ser Porten Vid, Over Bjoergvin Graater Himmerik, and my personal favorite, Hordalands Doedskvad (which I affectionately refer to as “old Black metal that sounds good, thank you, Satan!”). While Norway has birthed numerous bands, Taake stands out as one of the select few that genuinely encapsulates the chilling and somber atmosphere of the North. This isn’t a mere compliment, especially considering the overexploitation of traditional Norwegian Black metal. Yet, truth be told, Taake‘s more recent creations have been a mix of hits and misses, at least from my perspective.
Et Hav Av Avstand (A Sea Of Distance, for those of you who don’t want to Google it), ventures into new territory, presenting a distinctive departure from their established formula. One might label it as Taake‘s attempt to infuse elements of Blackgaze and atmospheric influences into its signature style. You might be skeptical, wondering if this fusion is a recipe for success or a potential disaster.
This release picks up where Kong Winter left off, revealing Taake‘s resolve to continue exploring experimental musical avenues. With just four tracks, the experimentation is pushed to new limits. However, Et Hav Av Avstand isn’t precisely Progressive; instead, it offers an atmospheric and Blackgaze interpretation of Taake‘s sound. Despite the album’s brevity, I was surprised by the extended duration of the tracks. During my repeated listens, moments arose when I felt a song was culminating perfectly, only to be led into another four minutes of previously explored ideas from the old repertoire. It saddens me to say that feeling the songs were almost over so many times took away a lot of their emotional impact.
The incorporation of Blackgaze elements into the record harmonizes well. These elements introduce a new dimension to Taake‘s sound, akin to Wildernessking or An Autumn For Crippled Children, albeit with a more intense edge. This effect is particularly pronounced in many of the guitar sections, displaying a profound reverence for the instrument. However, this contrast is notable in the drumming, which comes across as considerably restrained and lacking in vigor. While I understand this aligns with the conventions of old-school Black metal, it feels like an excessive representation in this context. Regrettably, the drums fail to carry the weight necessary to anchor the music effectively.
The production diverges slightly from previous offerings, presenting a more contemporary Blackgaze style. While it retains the hallmark raw, basement-like quality, it does sacrifice some of the frigid and abrasive edges that define the riffing (this is ironic coming from the edgelord himself). Speaking of the riffing, several of the ideas presented here might have been more impactful if delivered in a more concise format. This, in turn, made it challenging for me to remain fully engaged as I traversed through the album.
One commendable aspect of Taake is its refusal to settle for repetitious albums. While that might have been the easier route, such commitment to experimentation carries inherent risks. Et Hav Av Avstand will likely provoke division among their fanbase. For the diehard enthusiasts, it’s certainly worth exploring, but be prepared for something that defies your expectations.
(2.5 / 5)
