Aleine
Apollon, 2021
8/10
Perhaps best known for his work in Malice In Wonderland, Chris Wicked solo maintains the creativity of his former full band work- albeit in gentler territory- as Wicked sings in his native tongue and friends from bands like Gorgoroth, Shining and Helheim are in attendance.
“Ravneprins” starts the listen with warm, bare electric guitar as soft, expressive singing enters the moody, agile rock song, and “Aleine” follows with contributions from Gaahl as a buzzing and melodic atmosphere of charged yet cautious alt-rock develops.
In the middle, “Eg Går Der Ingen Engler Våger” benefits from smooth singing as precise drumming and spirited guitar work meet at a very reflective intersection, while “Sørgebånd” is a dreamy display of subdued beauty that’s atmospheric and memorable.
Residing near the end, “Bare Deg og Meg og Natten” builds into a gritty yet tuneful setting amid an often tense climate, and “Bergen, Bergen” exits the listen closer to folk rock as acoustic guitar and poetic singing finish a very well thought out 8 tracks.
A debut that involves many players from Norway’s black metal scene, Aleine, though often ominous at its core, is quite pretty, actually, where an artistic quality takes nods to Nick Cave or David Bowie.
Travels well with: Aadal- Silver; De Press- Body Manifest