Album Review:  Bhleg — “Fäghring”

I have been enamored with Swedish black/folk metal band Bhleg ever since my other half reviewed the trio’s previous album back in January of 2021.  I am excited to see Bhleg back at it again so quickly with their latest release, Fäghring.  Additionally, this is the fourth and final installation of their album tetralogy “Ár.”  Each album from Bhleg is more refined, dynamic, and impressive than the last, and Fäghring is no exception.  Unique instrumentation, vocal variety, and intricate compositions make this album a must listen and an epic finale to “Ár.”  Bhelg have mastered the world of black metal and folk music and continue to grow and perfect their distinctive sound.

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Rainbows in the Dark: NOÊTA — “Elm”

Sylvia Plath, despite being an iconic figure in poetry and American literature, was a relatively unappreciated figure in her own time.  It took her unfortunate and heartbreaking suicide to really draw attention to what a giant spirit and an unmatched gift with words she had, but now her name stands with the greats of history, giving inspiration to so many, inside and outside of literature.  It is from her legacy that the Norwegian/Swedish duo NOÊTA draw inspiration for their sophomore release Elm, the title of which references a poem Plath wrote mere months before her death.

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