My experience on Icelandic metal is nothing to boast about, but I've noticed that many a band coming from this Northern yet hot place perform black metal or something close to it. The land of fire, barren wastes and ice. And high price level. And us Finns whine about how bad our lives are.

Myrk's debut release didn't surprise me as the band play black metal. Myrk are kind of timeless, just guitars, bass, drums and mouth, no synths and such have been used (a sample or two is heard, though). This is Myrk's strength. The band delivers with power, that is missing from majority of black metal releases I think. Maybe it is those thrash and death metal influences that lift up the energy level. Myrk aren't the most hellraising band out there, but put powerful performance prior to perfect performance. Together with raspy throat vocals (and some growls), drums are on the front line. Especially kick drums are delivering punches. Guitars might be a tad low on the mix, or the thin black metal sound might also cause this (not that angry-bees-attacking sound here, though), but every instrument is still audible. The production is kept raw, but it works. This way, the sweat haven't been swept away, if you will. However, the cold atmosphere could be more prevailing, this this is still far from being icy.

Myrk's another strength is working, memorable songs. All the songs are under 5½ minutes long, except the closer which clocks to 8 minutes. The songs aren't droning, but have variety to keep me interested. Slight thrash/death metal touches make this more powerful and surely add memorable riffing. Among heavier and blasting stuff, there's calmer parts adding cold Northern atmosphere ('When We Raised the Sign' has a very Immortal-esque part, but why not since Immortal called it a day?). Iron Maiden-esque (or should I put it "bluesy") solo on melancholic 'In Silence' is another stylish one-off touch. Most of the songs are good with a couple of weaker ones, but I quess it depends what one's musical tastes are. Myrk follow traditions closely, having not much originality but still keeping it true metal.

I do not care about the lyrical themes too much, but still my atheistic views aren't on a crash course with anti-Christian lyrics, but those ritual ones are just pure fantasy. However, the lyrics are quite well written, considering where the band come from ('Myrk' is the only song in Icelandic). Horribly bad cover art is easily forgotten just by listening to the album. 'Icons of the Dark' is listenable black metal delivered with power. A promising start.

Rating: 7 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
04/03/2004 20:54