Skurðgoð is a true gem! A black metal gem that was passed on to me by one of my fellow editors. This young man promised me a hefty serving of grim black metal, and after listening to this album several times, I can only say that he delivered in full. Skurðgoð, a band made up of young and hungry musicians, now release Skurðgoð, their first full-length album, following the 2024 demo entitled Líflát.
A certain Albert Finnbogason coordinated the recording sessions, while none other than D.G. also lent a hand. In fact, he was responsible for what musicians simply call the mixing and mastering. The only—truly the only—downside to this release is that I can only find it as a digital release. For heaven’s sake, that simply won’t do!
Man, oh man. The opening track on this debut full-length album, which unfortunately clocks in at just under thirty minutes, kicks off with incredible brutality and rawness. Choral vocals and a melody are almost immediately swallowed up by abrasive, rusty-sounding drums and guitars. Nornadómar quickly makes it clear that this still-young horde possesses not only genuine talent but also a distinct identity. Not only do the band members wear hoods and masks on stage, but by “identity” I also mean a sound and character that are unmistakably their own within black metal. It is fair to say that the filthy production really brings out the Icelandic character of the music. At times, the sheer aggression of the vocals reminds me of the Polish school of black metal. Think of bands associated with the Godz Ov War label—I’m talking about acts such as Sznur or Brzask. Although, of course, those are actually signed to Vendetta Records.
Throughout this short but exceptionally tight album, you are treated to numerous tempo changes, acidic and salt-tinged melodic passages, and ferocious growls. The latter may even tempt you to unleash a few throat-ripping roars of your own now and then. I’m thinking in particular of Frostbit, a track infused with noticeable death metal influences. It is also a delight to hear how the bass rumbles away on a song like Synd. At first, I get the impression that my favourite instrument is being played with a pick, only to think later that it’s fingerstyle instead. I honestly can’t make up my mind. The four musicians surprise us by suddenly inserting an instrumental, keyboard-driven piece, Sólþoka, seemingly out of nowhere. The following track, the fiercely biting Lúpína, also opens with a keyboard passage. It certainly feels as though this band has many strings to its bow.
Skurðgoð are Iceland’s newest black metal talent. So go and buy this new album. It’s a shame that it is currently available only as a digital release, but perhaps a label will recognise that this record more than deserves a proper physical edition.
Score:
85/100
Label:
Eigen beheer, 2026
Tracklisting:
- Nornadómar
- Blóð móðurkviðs
- Synd
- Frostbit
- Sólþoka
- Lúpína
- Bálför
Line-up:
- H.Þ – Vocals, guitar
- Þ.L – Guitar
- A.M – Bass guitar
- S.Þ – Drums
Links: