Jordfast - Av Stoft - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

Scandinavian in soil and spirit, InchHädanefterInch is the harsh debut album of JORDFÄST. Steeped in both earthen melancholy and icy brutality, this rugged record originating from the realm of black metal pulls no punches; instead charging forth with ruthless melodies and pummeling, muscular grooves.JORDFÄST's bleak voice is an ancient one, somberly contemplating the grievous disharmony in our existence, as the vast forces of nature dwarf the self-deceiving minds of mankind. From the Swedish forests, this long lost call carries out the wails of the past, reminding us that death is ever around us, in soil and spirit.

The Revolt of the Brotherhoods Military Music and Culture in 16th Century Europe. Music and war have been linked together since time immemorial. This relationship can be traced from the simple drum and bugle calls performed by army musicians at the height of battle, to communicate orders or to engender courage (or fear) in the combatants, to the more elaborate pieces composed to instil patriotism, such as military marches, songs of victory and compositions for triumphal parades, staged works and dances such as choreographed sword dances. In the religious sphere the impact of war, always wrapped in a solemn, moralizing tone, has been similarly noteworthy. This has led to an impressive repertoire of music associated with funeral services for fallen heroes (Requiem masses), thanksgiving celebrations (Te Deum, military masses, etc) and even the expressive Holy Week musical repertoire based on Jeremiah's Book of Lamentations, which relates the story of the siege and destruction of the city of Jerusalem after falling into the hands of Nebuchadnezzar II in 587 B. C. The musical practices associated with military culture range, therefore, from the sacred to the profane, from the privacy within four walls to the open city streets and from strictly military action to the pleasures of the brothel or street celebrations.

Blodsdåd och hor (Bloodshed and whoredom) is the third installment in the Jordfäst saga and the darkest chapter thus far. Bellowed by the winds from the past, it is forged with steel and blood in a furnace built by Scandinavian rock. The lyrical themes and musical compositions bond together, forming a strong and durable alloy. Under the unyielding strokes of hammers, the characteristic Jordfäst soundscape has been hardened, and the melodies have been thoroughly honed by melancholia to deep-cutting perfection. InchEtt altare av skärvorInch (An altar of shards) combines fragments from Völuspá with imagery of violent manipulation and mental torture to explore the everlasting desire in humans to make sense of their existence. InchDit gudarna trälar ärInch (Where the gods are thralls) journeys through centuries of Swedish history, shaped by steel and iron industry and defined by relentless warfare. The successful recording process of Av stoft was repeated during the creation of Blodsdåd och hor, and previous session drummer Jocke Unger has now joined the band permanently. Vocals and all instruments except drums were recorded in Studio Wheelmust by Elis, and drums were recorded by the ingenious Ulf Blomberg at Hoborec. The task of mixing and mastering was again entrusted to the masterful hands of William Blackmon of The Overlook.