Neraines - Yggdrasil (Black Metal)

Neraines' sophomore release Yggdrasil is simply the quintessential album in the laying of epic black metal's melodic foundations. At the same time, it's an amazing album in its own right, without a single weak moment to be found. It's the type of once in a lifetime album that can stand toe to toe with masterpieces such as Burzum's Hvis Lyset Tar Oss or Phantom's The Epilogue to Sanity.

The tracks on Yggdrasil are organised like classical music compositions, constantly evolving with thematic motifs trading off in rapid succession, rather than the standard rock verses/chorus duality. The album fosters a strong progressive edge, with a wealth of contrasting moods and varying atmospheres, coupled with elements forming traditional medieval interludes. This is a perfect marriage between old music and contemporary extreme metal power - a smooth fusion of flamboyant Baroque hubris with epic black metal atmosphere. While not as oft praised as Neraines' follow-up release, the darker and much more atmospheric Fenrir Prowling, there is nonetheless a definite medieval Tolkien-esque inspiration as can best be heard on the legendary "Astral Colossus", and among other briefer sections throughout.

Despite its overall intensity, Yggdrasil is an oddly accessible disc, immediately grabbing your attention with a building crescendo of riffs which bursts into the full-speed assault of "Neraines" and not letting up until the final twelve-minute title track. Melody and power have rarely been fused so well as on this album. Basically, if you like black metal, you need this album. If you don't like it, you're a dick and would be better off listening to Watain's metalcore. Recommended for fans of extreme and atmospheric black metal.