The Norwegian ‘Kampfar’ are one of Viking black metal’s older acts with 3 albums (this is the 4th) and 2 EPs on their 15year stay in the scene. They’ve made some underground fuzz around their name by remaining on the same style since the beginning of their career.

They play black metal the Burzum way (when our pal still played metal and wasn’t behind bars…), without copying them, however. In their “Dark Gate” (heimgang), they’ve slowed down, preserve the scratching guitars and remain boring, like all their previous efforts! Their connection with Vikings begins and ends in their lyrics. None of their melodic themes either on guitars or on keyboards has something epic inside. They’ll probably remind you of some fun songs, like the keyboard player (especially him…) is in elementary school and has just learnt to play the carols!!!

Unfortunately, Kampfar, since their self-titled debut EP in 1995, have never produced an album that can keep your interest in its whole duration and the same thing happens here. After the second –maybe third for fans of this genre- track it’s hard to find something nice in their CD. Don’t think it’s a coincidence that they make albums for the unworthy Napalm Records nowadays. And it’s a pity to watch bands, that have things to offer, break up and uninspired ones to stay.

Fans of Vikings should rather stick with Equilibrium.