SLEGEST – Introvert

SLEGEST – Introvert

Yes, that is more like it; the rumbling Norwegian beast that is Slegest has returned! That ought to excite you in and of itself. I was both impressed and intrigued by their previous album, the raw and reckless "Vidsyn", so naturally, I was very much looking forward to this new one of theirs.

Spanning eight songs in no less than 32 minutes, "Introvert" is rather short and concise yet utterly solid and perversely cool all the way through. There are very few weaknesses to be found on this disc and each song has something wicked going for it that makes it memorable. While "Vidsyn" was perhaps a little more energetic and insane, "Introvert" is the sound of a band whose songwriting skills and abilities to churn out captivating tunes have reached new heights. This record is as disciplined and focused as they come, but musically it still kind of sounds as If Darkthrone and Black Sabbath decided to have a whiskey-soaked jam and that Slegest was the result of such an unholy alliance. Either way, these guys have definitely sharpened their claws and established a sound and a musical identity of their own and the opening track ("Blodets Varme Gjennom Meg") immediately tells you who you are listening to and what you are in for.

"Introvert" is slightly more refined and less filthy and raunchy than its predecessor, but it is nevertheless a damn good and highly entertaining album filled to the brim with sinister hooks and face-melting riffs. Within its aggressive intensity lie moments of melodic delight and some glorious 80s heavy metal inspirations. It goes without saying that this is a must-have regardless of whether you are into old-school black metal, neck-snapping thrash metal, foul stoner rock, or classic heavy metal.