I have always harbored a certain affinity for the Norwegian (symphonic) black metal entity known as Troll and the majority of their releases offer something interesting and atmospheric. This 4-track EP is no exception to that rule, but musically and stylistically speaking this one is more akin to the underground gem that is “Drep De Kristne” (1996) and the excellent “Neo-Satanic Supremacy” (2010) than the more experimental offerings from around the time of the millennium. “Tilbake til Trollberg” is essentially a short collection of various recordings, which includes the captivating composition entitled “The Beast”, the interesting “Towards the Pantheon” cover rendition from the “In Honour of Icon E” tribute album to Emperor (2012), the “Tilbake til Trollberg” title cut from the split vinyl single with Aeon Winds (2014), and what I presume is a relatively new recording (or alternate version) of the classic track “Når Natten Endelig Er Her” from the 1995 EP demo “Trollstorm over Nidingjuv”. The latter is actually pretty darn good and nicely arranged for the keyboards while simultaneously serving as a really good and brooding closing track on the EP.

“Tilbake til Trollberg” is suitably raw and harsh yet somewhat sophisticated with respect to the song arrangements, and as is usually the case with Troll’s tunes they are steeped in atmosphere and possess a delightfully satanic grandeur. The musicianship is strong too and although this EP more or less functions as a teaser now that there is a brand-new full-length assault on the horizon, I recommend that you give it a spin or two if you are fond of the band’s early material from the 90s or symphonic black metal with a sense of bombast to it. The Troll trademarks and characteristics are all there and the whole thing is an enjoyable listen and satisfyingly grim and unholy.

 

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