Koldbrann - Stigma: Pa kant med livet

Interesting Norwegian black metallers Koldbrann released an EP earlier this year, containing three new songs, a re-recording of an old song previously only available on a split from 2004, and a Bathory cover. And wouldn't you know, quality is better than quantity. "Stigma: Pa kant med livet" is easily one of the releases of 2008 you should check out if you're at all interested in modern black metal.

First track "Opium Fields Forever" sounds like Khold meets Shining V, with a touch of "Rebel Extravaganza"-Satyricon in the mix. Next up is "Intifada", which is faster and has a bit of the punk vibe from newer Darkthrone-releases, only good. The next two tracks offer up some interesting drum arrangements and atmospheric guitar acrobatics, but they don't match up to the ferocity of the first two tracks. Finishing off this EP is a cover of Bathory's "Bestial Lust", and what a great cover it is! If I was to say anything negative about it, it would be that Koldbrann are a little too good at playing theit instruments; I do miss the feeling of the the drums trying to run away from the guitars in the original track.

All in all a solid EP worth 7/10 that leaves me wanting more, and with two years since their last full-length album, I'm hoping this was just a taste of what is soon to come.