Review by Jeger on August 20, 2026.

Oftentimes, it's back into the primordial where we must go in order to create; in order to create with dignity. Dignity is not a word that gets thrown around a lot in the Music Industry because there's not much there, unless you venture into the past, into the darkness and into where the olde ways are still alive in more than just spirit. For the Black Metal Artist; the genuine Black Mark Warrior, this is a constant - the search for purity - a quest for truly Genre-appropriate representation and as I mentioned above, sometimes the Artist must minimize…

Mørkgrim is a Norwegian/Swedish Folk Black Metal project that features one Hrafngrímnir (Main Composer) and the mighty drum lord, Dominator! (Dark Funeral, Nordjevel). Hrafngrímnir actually left the Black Metal Scene entirely in 1999, due to what became a very commercial Genre when compared to how it originated and there's nothing wrong with that. But despite his many other Artistic ventures (lucrative ones), the darkness was still alive and yearning; yearning for those first pure days when the very thought of Black Metal stirred up thoughts of Unholy War, scorched Cathedrals and simple hatred for Humanity along with the conveyance of another kind of Current - the Heathen ways of olde. Once all of this began to turn into what's known as the New Wave of Black Metal, it was a tough pill for some Artists to swallow.

Now, Mørkgrim has returned, and along with them the promise of the genuine article. Recorded in the pines somewhere where there aren't even any Municipalities, the project's debut LP, "Sǫgur Frá Norðfirði", will be released on October 2 via Soulseller Records. And we prepare for the mystification of Black Metal in its most meaningful form… Like pre-battle fanfare does this one begin: the strings, the authoritative rhythms and the anticipation are all enough to get your blood pumping. It's not long before sound becomes triumph and a full onslaught of true Scandinavian Black Metal ensues. The opening track, "Ramnen Kvæd": Fiendish snarls and elevating tremolo riffs, blast-beats and an atmosphere that is invigorated by sheer suspense. And Dominator's contribution only takes the music to unfathomable heights. His ability to perform at his usual intensity without taking anything away from the desired aesthetic is proving to be priceless.

There are times for contemplation or reflection like during "Mørkt" - a quasi-tribal, folkish, chant-infused, magickal collection of minutes to draw up imagery of vultures circling over spent battlefields, a Murder of Crows to harbinger fates unwanted and proud warriors by the shadow-casting light of bonfire, as they homage the Great Olde Ones with song. The overall vibe of the album, despite our Sverige friend behind the kit, is true Norwegian Black Metal in the vein of Taake, Gehenna or Kampfar, only fresher, more nuanced and with unparalleled understanding of what constitutes the genuine Norse BM experience.

As you take in the gentle moments of the intro to "Freyja Kvað", it's with the most profound sense of anticipating what lies beyond the breath, and what transpires is a piece of true Norse artwork - Medieval as a Bastard Sword and visual like a short film, what a remarkable piece. There are plenty of other superlatives to mention from piano accents and even some Black & Roll action during the sleazy "Vardðlokkur". "Sǫgur Frá Norðfirði" is the product of passion rightfully directed and a long time coming for Hrafngrímnir. Prepare for a trip through time! Through heritage and tradition. This is why we do this, why Black Metal - true NORSE Black Metal shall always prevail. Well done.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Review by Jack on February 15, 2003.

For all the wicked and frenetic pace in metal, it is nice to get a dirty sludgy record like this little ripper from Maximillion. Sludge, metalcore, doom... it’s all the slow shit for these guys. Not much breakneck thunder drumming or lightning riffs on "Maximillion", but then again this trio don't seem to be about that atypical shite.

Maximillion have created an album that is dense, heavy, and above all well-structured. As said previously they aren't going to blind you with speed or fury, but lull you into a filthy cesspit of murky music. Vocally, you are presented with a mixture of slow crooning as can be seen in 'Pure Black', and stereotypical hardcore/metalcore vocals, that while not revolutionary suit the style of Maximillion perfectly. The music itself is cunning and not completely forthcoming at first, but lulling around in the shadows drawing you into a sloooooow web of cold riffs and thick, meaty drums.

I am not going to shit you here guys, this is not a record for every day and every minute. For those of you who ain't digging the whole sludge thing, you might not hook into Maximillion straight away, but fuck me, when you want to rearrange your monotonous death metal for something different you will time and time again be coming back to "Maximillion". (Obviously you sludgers out there have cottoned onto what I was saying previously and picked up this disc).

Bottom Line: A worthy record for all abodes out there. Not a daily listen, but a killer disc that will be appreciated every time it’s pulled out.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Production: 8
Originality: 8
Overall: 9

Rating: 8.2 out of 10