GALAR is a melodic black metal trio from Norway which released their third album so far “De Gjenlevende” five years post their second opus “Til Alle Heimsens Endar”.
“De Gjenlevende” is an aggressive black metal piece of GALAR; double bass, epic-sounding guitars and powerful vocals (ranging from cleaner to harsher approaches) that empowers the atmosphere. String instrument passages build a melancholic farewell fairytale atmosphere until the peak is reached blasting faster tempos again. “Natt … og taust et forglemt liv” follows on the same path the rest of the compositions do being energetic and stimulating. “Bøkens hymne” comes next to open up with a piano arrangement that resembles to a director’s choice of opening a movie to lure the viewer’s – listener in our case.
“Ljos” is a wholly instrumental piece made by piano and string instruments attention providing an intermission of the fast-paced 49 minutes that “De Gjenlevende” lasts. Following, “Gjeternes tunge steg “ is a razor-sharp riffing musical adaptation that keeps its rapid tempo being implemented with a melodic interlude. The last and longest track “Tusen Kall til Solsang Ny” already from the beginning gives away its melodic side with a lot of riffs along with clean singing combined with growling.
Beautiful piano arrangements complement the black metal riffing enriching the overall soundscape’s aura. Its atmosphere is profound throughout its entirety constituting it more imposing but unfortunately without offering anything new ‘to the table’. Long duration of tracks lets the original idea of the composition unfold its aspects without the album being dull to hear in one take.
Ultimately, a quite interesting album with a dynamic character; melodic yet fierce in its crescendos and compelling enough to inspire the need for another “spin” with one downside – no surprises.
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