Label – Metal Blade
Release – 26th February 2021
Danes Iotunn present their debut album of cosmic progressive melodic death metal. An intergalactic voyage of seven tracks lasting just over an hour journeys through time and space. The depth, expansive yet memorable song writing and compelling lyrics on all seven tracks mark this debut out as a fully realised package at the first attempt.
The vocals of Jón Aldará (Barren Earth, Hamferð) provide a strong counterpunch to the underlying music, both of which are operating close to breaking point. Aldará’s full vocal range is executed with aplomb, from traditional DM growls, low tenor melodies to soaring clean vocals that pop with great effect are best demonstrated on the chorus of the opening- and title-tracks. Musically, the heaviness is retained; the opening of Laihem’s golden pits will make you grit your teeth in a good way.
The XXL production provided by super-producer Frederik Nordstrom is an important facet of the sound and feel of the album. Akin to the excellent White Void album Anti, the modern bombastic production provides a much richer and broader palate than the excellent, but thin and retro, cosmic DM of Tomb Mold or Blood Incantation. At times, DM can feel like an extremely restricted genre, however Iotunn manage to lift the lid and shoot for the stars.
9/10
FFO – Amon Amarth, Devin Townsend, Hamferð
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