Taake (Norway) / Deathcult (Norway): “Jaertegen”

As all true Taake fans might know, it is a tradition for Bergen's horde to release a new album every three years, and of course this happens in the autumn in honour of Ørjan Stedjeberg whose stagename Hoest means precisely ‘autumn’. As the last album Kong Vinter was released in 2017, the hour is approaching for the next one, and we are starting to see something, perhaps small samples of the next album. Taake released the new song “Ubeseiret” earlier this year, and today the split Jaervegen between Taake and Deathcult, containing a new song for each, was released. Taake's new song is “Slagmark” which is different from Kong Vinter and quite in the old vein, especially Noregs Vaapen; it's a good song, Taake's sulkily melodic style is unmistakable, even if it lacks the depth and brilliance of immortal hymns such as “Myr”, “Fra Vadested til Vaandesmed”, etc. Taake also contributes a cover of Darkthrone's “Ravnajuv”. The second band is Deathcult, another historic Bergen-based band; indeed, this split is practically a family business since Hoest is also Deathcult’s bassist, while the other two members Skagg and Turzur are both ex-Taake live musicians. Additionally, Skagg's scream is very similar to Hoest's, in my opinion. Anyway, Deathcult's new track is “Der Würger”, which is very inspired by the Norwegian second wave, especially Darkthrone of Transilvanian Hunger era. Deathcult delivers a cover too, “Black Arts” by Beherit. In conclusion, Jaertegen is a must listen for the two big names on it, and because these two mighty hordes show a relentless devotion to the black arts.
 
Notes:
Jaertegen was released on July 10, 2020 through Edged Circle Production as cassette and vinyl.
 
Personnel:
Taake
Hoest: All instruments, Vocals
Deathcult
Hoest: Bass
Thurzur: Drums
Skagg: Guitars, Vocals
 
Text by Herjann
herjann@unholyblackmetal.com