FÖRGJORD – PERKELEEN WERI (Werewolf Records)

At this transformative time of year, as the sun retreats and darkness spreads across the north, the power of Black Metal grows stronger. ‘Perkeleen weri’, the seventh full-length from Finland’s fantastically grim raconteurs of local terrors Förgjord is a fitting companion piece to the long, frigid months ahead. Another macabre chronicle of the all-consuming darkness and horror that consumes their homeland, this recording reaffirms Förgjord’s status as one of Finland’s finest and most unique BM hordes.

Förgjord explores the horror of heinous history in Finland, zooming in on murderous acts and deeds, be they on a macro or micro level, and the disturbed mindsets of perpetrators of these crimes. The absolute, inherent darkness of the nation is laid bare on each Förgjord full-length and ‘Perkeleen weri’ is no different, honouring through the band’s trademark blackened blueprint (a blackprint?) the human victims of terrible tragedies of bygone eras that fertilised the lands of Perkele with blood.

Again, song titles are in the native tongue, the album title is too, adding authenticity and ensuring that much remains shrouded in mystique to we outsiders. Förgjord executes grim and raw Black Metal in the truest Finnish vein, majestic and haunting, with more than a smattering of melody, spoken samples here and there, and a pervading darkness always evident. Omnipresent, it never lurks beneath the surface.
Emotions fluctuate between sombre sadness and fierce rage, the musicianship and vocal delivery superior and precise as one would expect from veterans of almost 30 years now – a band that can do no wrong. Uncannily consistent in delivering twisted Black Metal of the very highest calibre, Förgjord proves once more on ‘Perkeleen weri’ that – albeit lesser known it may seem than some of their celebrated contemporaries – they belong in the elite echelons of Finnish Black Metal. Did I mention Finland?

Evilometer: 666/666