ALBUM REVIEW: Sarke - "Viige Urh"

By: Ralka F. Skjerseth

Album Type:Full Length

Date Released:13/10/2017

Label: Indie Recordings

“Viige Urh” ignites stronger than the incineration of flames; forcefully ascends high up to Valhalla— it is a projection of eternality, packed up in a form of eight tracks as ferocious as incendiaries. 

“Viige Urh” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1, Viige Urh

2. Dagger Entombed

3. Age of Sail

4. Upir

5. Jutul

6. Punishment to Confessions

7. Knifehall

8. Evolution and Fate

The Review:

“Viige Urh”, the fifth studio album by the Oslo-based black metal act Sarke, is a form of resurgence from the north that hails the nine realms and transcends into time and space— just like its title that can be translated to “time that has passed”. The concept of this album mainly revolves around the idea of time passed; chronicles that never relent. Featuring a myriad of lyrical themes ranging from realism, mythology, and history, it just seems as if these Nordic lads are ready to reign the throne and reenact the legacy of the valiant Berserkers in battles. They come off as profound in manifesting their vehement characteristic of slow-paced beats and atmospheric riffs accompanied by the way Nocturno Culto (of Darkthrone fame) sings hymns in an exalted level, while featuring several takes of choirs, string instruments, and poetry-like recitations. “Viige Urh” ignites stronger than the incineration of flames; forcefully ascends high up to Valhalla— it is a projection of eternality, packed up in a form of eight tracks as ferocious as incendiaries. Released under Indie Recordings, the release of “Viige Urh” comes only about a year after Sarke’s previous album, “Bogefod”.

The first, and also title track “Viige Urh” presents vicious riffs that happen to be the epitome of a trenchant sword that waves upward against the collision of storms. And next up, there goes “Dagger Entombed” with its atmospheric pace; it tells about powers and weapons, unleashed in a poetic way. “Age of Sail” opens up with a 30-second killer riff that would remind you of the force of warriors that have slayed battles of ages. The blasting beats of “Upir” delivers some sort of a higher infernal power that reigns. “Jutul” features poignant notes of string instruments and possesses the vibes of the ancient times; it opens with soothing tranquil singing that later forms a convergence with the fierce vocals of Nocturno Culto’s. The next track “Punishment to Confession” unleahses a poetry-like recitation, followed by ethereal choirs. “Knifehall” is one hell of a god-tier fast paced chaos that appears as a multiverse of resilience and indignation. The heavy last track “Evolution and Fate” represents the violence of the sun that thrives into the constellations.

Having the privilege to listen to this album before its official release date (October 13th), I personally am honoured; it is definitely worth listening. They sure do have a concept, and their own inherent authenticity that clearly radiates from the groove that they unravel. The incorporation of ’70s rock influence into the black metal element also can be seen mostly from tracks like “Dagger Entombed” and “Age of Sail”. “Viige Urh” may revolve around the concept of time that has passed, but still, it would transcend the facticity of time and provide eternal eclectic madness.

“Viige Urh” is available to preorder/buy here

Band info: facebook