Fortíð – ‘World Serpent’ (2020)
Rating: 7.5/10
Release: 11 December 2020
Label: Prophecy Productions
When I saw a new album come in from Iceland’s Fortíð I figured I must have missed a release from them. I last remember an album I reviewed from them in 2015 entitled “9”. There must have been a new album from them since then, right? Well, yes and no…..a reissue of demo recordings but no new material until now. “World Serpent” is a brand-new full length for Prophecy Productions set for release on December 11th with 10 new tracks totaling about 53 minutes. I remember writing that while earlier efforts were Viking oriented and “9” was seeing them move to a more contemporary style, both musically and lyrically. “World Serpent” is definitely another step away from being immersed in Viking lore (or at least not as overtly so). From a comparison point of view, I think some Viking related acts are definitely where to start…. Helrunar and Arstidir Lifsins are solid and I think closest would be the mighty Enslaved. I could even maybe stretch and say a little Primordial. I would say this is some version of black metal mixed with some progressive elements. For the most part you could call Fortíð somewhat a solo project…. Einar “Eldur” Thorberg has been the only consistent member since 2002 performing all instrumentation and vocals with new drummer Kristjan Gudmundsson coming on board this year. Given this semi-new direction I am not really sure if this really falls into any category we normally cover but is certainly a good album with a lot of intense riffing and soloing, key sections, blast beat and so on. The highlight for me would probably be the vocals with a howling main vocal and some really cool chorals. I’ve listened to it a few times and while I like it, nothing really jumps out at me and grabs my attention. It somewhat has a monotone overall sound with no major variation, somewhat of a drone to it. With the change in direction, Fortíð may be able to grab some new fans not as familiar with the older material with this “newer” sound. A decent album.
Tracklist
PART I:
- AI 2020
- The True Awakening
- Controlled Patterned Mental Process *
- Insignificant is the Wormking’s Throne
- Suppressed Opposition
PART II:
- Son of a Barren Land
- Pandemic
- Beyond the Grips of Odium
- Perfect Annihilation
- Last Line of Defence