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Band: Ovate
Album title: Ovate
Release date: 1 June 2018
Label: Soulseller Records
Tracklist:
01. Morgenstjerne
02. Song Til Ein Orm
03. Illhug
04. The Horned Forest King
05. Inst I Tanken
It's amazing how many new bands and albums come up to me every day. Unfortunate is the fact that it is impossible to give to all of them the necessary attention. This time I choose to comment on the self-titled album from Ovate, the Norwegian pagan/black metal band whose two members (guitarist/bassist Aindiachaí and drummer Brodd) have performed live with such bands as Taake and Gorgoroth. The album also includes vocal contributions from Hoest (Taake and Gorgoroth), V’Gandr (Helheim and Taake), Eld (Krakow, Aeturnus and Gravdal), Ese (Slegest) and Ødemark (The 3rd Attempt).
Without much delay I will go directly to the point. Ovate's debut album is comprised of five tracks, each one with a playing time around seven minutes, with the exception of the last track which hits in nine minutes. The extension of the tracks opens the door for the band to explore all their experience and mastery.
Ovate leads the listener to a somewhat more traditional black metal sound, but very polished where the production is clean and one can hear without interference all the instruments and the vocals which are without a doubt divinely evil and energetic. Guitars are simply breathtaking, aggression and captivating melodies walk hand in hand throughout the entire album. Not to mention the devasting, driving and constantly dynamic rhythmic line giving the necessary heaviness to all of the tracks.
"Morgenstjerne", the first track and without a shadow of a doubt my favorite, is a very nice mix of pagan sound with the traditional black metal. Helheim's V'gandr is the vocalist on this track and to recognize his voice in this one it is extremely exciting for me. I became a fan of this band when evaluating their album landawarijaR and you can take a look at this review over HERE.
"Song Til Ein Orm", the second track is a well placed black'n'roll that gives a nice opening for the vocals to express itself in a clear and somewhat polished way. I would like to draw attention to in four minutes and something, until the end of this track, where a very interesting guitar solo comes into the picture. “Illhug” is a bit slower than the first two tracks but it is performed with mastery as well as the last two tracks, "The Horned Forest King" and the almost epic "Inst I Tanken".
I was very pleased with Ovate for bringing all their experience and creating a unique album with guest vocals that surely made this album one that could reach the top of black metal albums of 2018. You will not be disappointed with any of the tracks, all are ambitious in its composition and production and for sure you should have this guys in your collection. Long life to Ovate and I hope that their next albums will come strong and well orchestrated like this debut!
Review written by: Felin Frost
Rating: 9/10
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