Rating: 8.5/10
Release: 30 August 2024
Label: Independent

Ravn is a four-member Norwegian folk metal band and Svartedans is only their second album. I say “only” here because it’s polished, stylish, well-written, and mature. There’s a lot of talent here, and despite only clocking in at just over half an hour, there’s a lot of variety, too. Lots of dark atmosphere meeting cool guitar riffs or lovely vocals meeting rollicking mosh-worthy interludes.

Most of the songs feature one or two Norwegian vocalists, and there are folk instruments here and there. As a folk metal enthusiast, it would’ve been nice to see them in more tracks beyond just the beginning. Most of the album comes off as dark, atmospheric power metal as a result. This isn’t bad, however, the songs are written in a folk style.

Let’s get into those tracks: Syndera features lots of violin and it got me really excited for the album with one especially-great riff. Krig (“War”) slowed things down and lost the violin, but kept the good riffs coming. Svartedans (“Black Dance”) is appropriately bouncy and a great change from the tracks around it. I’ll often argue that albums choose the wrong title track, but this is perfect.

Mare introduces some gruff male vocals before the album slides into some very pretty songs. The album ends on two re-releases, and they fit in very nicely. Hulderlokk has a uniquely Norwegian rhythm, a great bridge and a beautiful, gentle way of closing the album.

So, for their second album, there are six fresh tracks and two older ones that are given a fresh take. Honestly, I like the new versions better. They fit in better with the unique tone and style of the album. This album was a joy to listen to, it’s a quick spin, and I’d strongly recommend giving it a listen.

Tracklist

1. Syndera 04:25
2. Krig 03:58
3. Svartedans 03:46
4. Mare 03:48
5. Fimbulvinter 04:10
6. Svik 05:01
7. Evighet 2024 04:23
8. Hulderlokk 2024 03:44