Black Metal by its very nature is fuelled by mystery and its ‘us and them’ mentality, after the entire genre was built upon foundations of a closed community which chose to strike out at the outside world. While of course adopting its fanatical supporters on mass to its clandestine ways, perpetuating the genre’s mystique (& and the bands within it) of being part of a secret society hell bent on destroying the world in which it exists from within. Never more so the case than with the Horde Of Hel, who are so secret they refuse to divulge the identity of its members!

When casting an eye over the bands myspace page it reads like a call to arms for the worlds nihilists, with ‘suicide and self destruction being the choice (they’ll) bring to get us all’! Strong words but what does ‘Blodskam’ actually deliver in the way of despair and total madness? The answer, quite a f**king lot it has to be said.

The band has fused a number of influences to create a hybrid Black / Death / Industrial sound which to the traditionalists out there will be a step to far and result in cry’s of blasphemy, but for those looking for something fresh and yet still totally extreme ‘Blodskam’ provides a new look at an old genre. There is enough of influence from the likes of Marduk and Dimmu Borgir to give the album a familiar sound but the more industrial mechanised aspects, while sparingly used are a clever juxtaposition you imagine could not work but some how do; ‘The Glory Of Massmurder’ being a case in point.

‘Blodskam’ has enough venom to call itself Black Metal yet still remains the sensible side of clique and absurdity which has befallen many a band looking to practice the dark art of the Metal Black. Every song has a savagery all its own and achieves its goal of total OTT rampage but never at the cost of being unlistenable nor is the album restricted by boundaries. Where the Horde felt it appropriate a little Avat influence is introduced to break the pace, jolting the listener into a place he/she would not have first thought possible when picking up a ‘Black Metal’ album. A recommended offering for those who are prepared to expand their boundaries of what they consider Black Metal.