Well if you know anything at all about Viking metal, you’ll at least know the name Windir. This pioneering band of the 1990’s have been a source of inspiration for many a fledgling, chainmail-clad warrior, releasing four full-length albums before losing their lead vocalist Valfar to hypothermia following a particularly bad snow-storm in 2004. Understandably, the band were reluctant to carry on without him, and members went on to form two bands – Vried and Cor Scorpii. The band recorded a four-track demo in 2005, and released Monument three years on in 2008. The album has now been reissued on new label, Dark Essence, and comes with the additional re-mastered demo songs as an added bonus.
Having heard a couple of tracks on their MySpace page, I instantly wanted this album, however when I put the whole thing on my stereo I’m sad to say it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Upon first listen, I couldn’t really put my finger on why that was, and decided to persevere hoping it would be a grower, but I have to be honest and say this just doesn’t do it for me. It’s far from a terrible release though, and with that in mind I intend to be as fair as possible.
First point I have to make is there are some genuinely interesting moments scattered throughout this release. For example, at the start of ‘Transcendental Journey’ there’s a cheeky, trollian squelch that really makes me sit up and take notice, before a Dalek-esque robot voice breaks the peace and sets it off on its journey. ‘Helvetesfossen’ has some really intriguing samples too that have a cosmic sparkliness, although this instrumental otherwise seems superfluous in my opinion. There’s a genuine black metal fury to be heard on ‘Endesong’ in the blasting drums and callous rasps, and ‘Ei Fane Svart’ also has an ominous rhythm while the symphonic element here gives it a dense atmosphere. The real clincher for me on these tracks however is that there is an almost constant high-pitched guitar tone that prevents me from really getting into the tracks, as they grate on my ears a little too much. It’s what I would call a frilly-shirt wearing neo-classical semi wankfest that I’ve noticed is quite common in European “medieval” metal and I’m sure to some people it sounds quite charming but it just gives me a headache.
‘Our Fate, Our Curse’ is a raging track – it plays out at blistering speed. The rich, majestic vocal lines add a nice change of tone, while the classical keys add a sense of calm over the frantic backdrop of chaotic, windswept black metal. ‘Oske Og Innsikt’ utilises these lovely clean vocals as well and I’m reminded a bit of Tyr. Again, there is good use of keyboards, as here they come across in a flowing waltz, at other times far more crepuscular, while suddenly a fierce rhythmical swagger brushes past and is backed up with brass pomp. This track really speaks to me, and I have to say this is a definite turning point as the final three tracks are great. There’s a bit on ‘Kjettar’ that is absolutely superb – a sudden frantic, hurried keyboard melody that gives off a real sense of drama and urgency. This definitely has the “whoa!” factor, and gets my full attention. ‘Bragder I Stein’ wastes no time, coming straight in with a massive, battle-ready riff. At times this blazes ahead at full speed, while the clean vocals definitely add a majestic feel to things.
This isn’t a bad album by anyone’s standards. Cor Scorpii have some very good ideas and at times this is a genuinely engaging listen. However, it just fails to keep my interest for the full 70 minutes and at times find it a little grating. Worth checking out if you are a fan of Viking black metal.
http://www.myspace.com/corscorpii
