Vreid

Vreid are known for their supremely melancholic aura, but never cease to rock'n'roll in a blackened, haunting way. The Norsemen catch their listeners and reel them in on Welcome Farewell, with dark melodies and heavy riffs. The album commences in an ascending manner, with "The Ramble" revealing minor synths, a steady verse and rhythm before ending with a wicked, Iron Maiden-esque solo. "The Way of the Serpent" weaves its way with fast tremolo picking, while the title track is stated in each note. "Welcome Farewell" is placed perfectly in the middle of the record, making it climactic, with a progression in tone, tempo and technicality. Sticking to the facets of their native metal scene, Vreid merge mythology and graceful guitars on the beautiful "Sights of Old." Lead vocalist Sture transitions between clean and dirty vocals throughout the poetic-paced lyricism on "Black Waves." Welcome Farewell is a fine blend of traditional Scandinavian metal elements, being dark in tone but light in brutality. There aren't any pummelling blast beats or low-fi production; Vreid demonstrate it's okay to be soft and catchy rather than brash and repugnant.