Additional info Recorded at Godcity studios in Salem, Massachusetts, August-September 2012. Produced and mixed by Kurt Ballou.
Mastered by Alan Douches at WWSM.
Art by John Dyer Baizley.
It's pretty amusing when people try labeling black metal bands/fans as elitist, because these days that stereotype of the genre's bands and followers as striving to maintain that "trve and kvlt" attitude falls pretty easily when one just looks at the facts. In the past decade, black metal seems to have been branching out in all possible directions, incorporating seemingly any potential influences into the core of its traditional formula. Further testament to this increasing evolution comes in the form of Norway's Kvelertak, whose sound can best be described as some strange blackened pop punk of sorts. So as a disclaimer: if you're one of those people that think the aesthetics of black metal all boil down to corpsepaint, howling to the moon in ancient forests, and anti-Christianity, you'll probably want to go elsewhere. Otherwise, if you're someone like me who absolutely loves the ever-increasing creativity of the genre, then please continue.
This isn't really an album you break down the intricacies of (that's not to say there aren't any as the hybrid of styles is uncanny and very well executed). "Meir", much like their debut, is just good old-fashioned, ass-kicking fun. It's infectiously catchy, brutal at times, but most importantly it's just a blast to listen to. Roll around town with the windows down and a few buddies rockin' out to this shit and you'd be appreciating it at its fullest. I'm usually rather "high brow" in my taste but this shit is just too fun not to enjoy :-) Can't wait for the shitshow thats gonna be Kvelertak and Cancer Bats!
No other band manages to mix hardcore punk, hard rock and black metal in one melting pot to provide such a fine (and fun!) music. I liked their debut a bit more, but it might have been for the feeling of novelty. "Meir" didn't give a slap in the face, but this fact didn't prevent me from taking a great pleasure from listening to this album.
Well, the last three songs were pretty meh, but apart from them, really excellent! Not as good as the debut though. Just love that first song: "Kvelertak!!!"
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