Norway’s grooviest black metal band strikes with their third record. Just as the first two records were, Mørke Gravers Kammer is built on a foundation of vintage CELTIC FROST/DARKTHRONE and the kind of cold, icy grimness that only comes from Norway. To mix things up a bit, the predominant mid-tempo grooves are joined by some fast blastbeat sections. For the most part, the album contains hooky riffs and a strong sense of atmosphere. However, KHOLD falters a bit in the fact that some of the song parts can drag on for a bit too long and lose their intensity as well as the listener’s full attention. It’s a shame because there are many cool riffs on Mørke Gravers Kammer. The lyrics are all in Norwegian so one can only speculate as to what the subject matter is. But one thing is for sure, the tone is extremely cold and dark. Just the fact that KHOLD possess such a unique sound make them enjoyable to listen to. But that also makes you wish this album was better than it is. (Candlelight Records)
