First impression – An introspective black metal album that fits under the umbrella of several different sub-genres, perfect to listen to at the darkest and coldest point of the year.

Whether you want to call it reminiscent of second wave black metal, atmospheric, depressive, or even groove based black metal, “Alt Som Finnes” seems to incorporate everything within the black metal genre. It’s the type where individual songs or moments don’t really stand out as much, but the whole album is playlist worthy and just suits the black metal feeling you want at this point in the year. At times the album was almost slow and doomy with songs like “Håp”, but at other times it was groovy and through provoking, either way “Alt Som Finnes” always has a grim consistency.

The vocals are in a raw raspy for the most part, but in songs like “Blikket Hennes” there’s also a clean vocal I didn’t register on the first couple of listens. The female vocals on “Håp” also came as a pleasant surprise.

The mastermind behind Bizarrekult is Roman V. Although he was born in Siberia, he moved to Norway years ago. Taking inspiration from the land black metal originates from he has stayed true to the genre, and you can really tell the music is Norwegian. As oppose to music made in another country trying to sound Norwegian. The music is very true in that sense that it’s not trying to be something it’s not, it just is what it is, and that’s its.

 

The artwork suits the album perfectly with its white hand drawn cloaked ritualistic looking piece on a black background. It’s the kind of art I would be happy to wear on a hoodie or t-shirt.

As the feedback fades, “Alt Som Finnes” is the kind of album that rewards you while it’s playing, fully immersing you in its introspective, wintery atmosphere. It may not stick in your mind with standout moments or instantly memorable riffs, but its consistency and mood make it a perfect addition to any black metal playlist. For me, it sits comfortably alongside Bizarrekult’s 2023 release, “Den Tapte Krigen”, as an album to return to whenever you want to lose yourself in the music.