Auðn (Iceland): “Vökudraumsins fangi”

The release of the new album by Icelandic atmospheric black metallers Auðn has almost gone unnoticed, despite the fact that the Icelandic band is now relatively established on the international scene, and above all, despite the fact that the album in question is very beautiful. Vökudraumsins fangi is the Icelanders' third album and essentially continues the journey started in 2014 with the self-titled debut album, but the Icelanders have certainly raised the bar. Vökudraumsins fangi reminds me slightly of Der Weg einer Freiheit’s harsh as much as nostalgic black metal, although Auðn emphasizes more the melodic and atmospheric side while the Germans have more harshness. A non-coincidental similarity is perhaps that both bands sing in their native languages, and above all, both are very compelling. Anyway, Vökudraumsins fangi must definitely be featured on the list of the best black metal albums of 2020.
 
Notes:
Vökudraumsins fangi  was released on October 30, 2020 via Season of Mist as digital release, double vynil, and CD.
 
Personnel:
Hjálmar Gylfason: Guitars
Sigurður Kjartan Pálsson: Drums
Aðalsteinn Magnússon: Guitars
Andri Björn Birgisson: Guitars
Hjalti Sveinsson: Vocals
Matthías Hlífar Mogensen: Bass
 
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com