(Melodic Black Metal) Naglfar -2012 - Téras, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Yes, it's been nearly five years since Naglfar last released an album and yes, it has been worth the wait. Mostly. What can you expect from them except very competent, well-played, and well- produced melodic black metal? Not much more, but there's really nothing wrong with doing one thing very well, and that's exactly what Naglfar do.
Musically, what we're talking about here is powerful and vicious-sounding black metal with a melodic edge that is achieved through lead guitar lines rather than piles of keyboard sounds (although Naglfar make limited use of keyboards occasionally, it is very much in the background or as intros/outros and used for atmosphere). The blasting and black metal ferocity is relentless when it needs to be, but the band have a very dynamic approach to songwriting that is incredibly potent and grabs the listener by the throat.
Vocally and lyrically is where Naglfar truly shine. Vocalist Kristoffer Olivius has a great throat-ripping rasp that really takes center stage in the songs and drips with malice and ungodly power. He's also very understandable, which is good because his lyrics (I assume he's the main lyricist) are extremely nasty and add a lot to the overall vibe. It's good to have an obsessed lyricist, as this increases the potency of the message the writer wants to put forth, and Olivius is clearly obsessed with the end of the world and the extermination of all human life. Indeed most songs are about this, but each has a slightly different character. For example, 'Bring Out Your Dead' comes from the perspective of a black death-type plague and 'Pale Horse' obviously has a biblical, death-bringer aspect. On the other hand, the song 'The Monolith' is an HP Lovecraft Cthullu song, and is something no metal band seems complete without, so Naglfar finally have theirs.
Overall, this is an extremely solid album, well worth hearing if you crave black metal nastiness with some melodic interest and a decent production (not all BM needs to have zero production values to retain its potency). But it's just not as good as some albums they've released in the past. In fact, it seems like a lesser version of 'Harvest', their last album. If, like me, you've been waiting for the new album for five years, then you won't be disappointed, but won't be completely bowled over, either. But if you're just starting with the band, maybe go further back into their history first, then move up through their albums. Teras is good, but the majority of the songs are in the good but not great category. The exception is the final epic 'The Dying Flames of Existence', which is truly one of Naglfar's greatest songs ever.

Kristoffer Olivius Vocals
Andreas Nilsson Guitars
Marcus E. Norman Guitars, Bass, Keyboards