Neithan: Hoest and Taake: I think it is safe to say that we are talking about one of the most prominent and talented persons from the Norwegian black metal scene. Originally it was the intention to put the band to rest after the Doesdkvad-trilogy (('Nattestid (Ser Porten Vid)', '(Over) Bjoergvin (Graater Himmerik) and '(Hordalands) Doedskvad'), and afterwards the EP ‘Nekro’ was released. That EP was nice or good, but not great which the three albums from the trilogy were. Yet now there is a new full length, and in contradiction to earlier albums Hoest did all himself this time, without the instrumental help from other musicians. When hearing this it might be justified to wonder with direction it will go this time with this fitful talent. One sign that might announce a change of course is that for the first time the songs have actual titles, in stead of the usual I up to VII, but I can assure you after listening many times to this album that Taake is still typically Taake: helnorsk svartmetall!
To go in short: ‘Taake’ is without any doubt one of this year’s highlights, and especially when you are a fan of the Bergen style of black metal, an essential album. On the one hand it is Taake all the way an don the other hand there is a different touch to the album compared to earlier work. This ‘Taake’ is an album which is already great the first time you listen to it, but most of all it is an album that grows on you. You miss the small details which are natural when playing with specialized musicians, like the typical a-rhythmatic drum rolls Mord performed on the previous full length. Every now and then Hoest howls like the wolf how he is portrayed in the album’s artwork, and the guitar sound is typically Taake again, including his characteristic style of riffing, although the end result is a different feeling than after listening to predecessor ‘Doesdkvad’. Yet that is mostly a matter of sense, because if I had to detail it all out to you, this would become one of the lengthiest reviews ever on Lords Of Metal.
Opener ‘Atternatt’ opens fierce in the Taake style, and also on the ensuing ‘Umenneske’ (which is the new video for the band, including other musicians) Hoest spits it out again, without refraining from the typical slow break at the end: brilliant! Of all three albums I think ‘Doedskvad’ is most close, and ‘Nattestid’ the furthest, also because on this album Taake doesn’t use any clean vocals. The sound may be a bit less cutting than before, but it is more natural than ever. After the first two songs ‘Lukt Til Helvete’ is a bit less agreesive and epic, yet after that Taake returns with four more typical Taake songs, including an almost traditional lengthy last song which displays everything that makes Taake so distinctive in its genre.
In contradiction to others in the scene Taake is not a band who needs an image, even if the band may have one according to others. Especially since the 2007 incident in Essen people look on Taake with a bit of a prejudiced mind, even if Hoest has made it clear why he did so (not too smart, but at least plausible and thought over). Should you still bear a grudge against the man you are doing yourself short. Hoest and Taake remain a phenomenon within the Norwegian black metal scene, and let this ‘Taake’ convince you of the qualities. Helnorsk svartmetall
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