Review by Fernando on March 11, 2020.

One of the most well-known (and also controversial, what a twist!) names in Norwegian black metal is that of Taake, masterminded by Hoest, the band has consistently released a slew of LP’s alongside various mini albums and more, needless to say, the man’s work speak for itself, however in MMXX A.D. Hoest has decided to team up with Whoredom Rife; the fairly recent band comprised by vocalist Kjell Rambeck and multi-instrumentalist V. Einride, the latter being better known as the live drummer for Gorgoroth, to release a split EP, titled "Pakt" via Terratur Possessions.

Now, the biggest issue with split releases is how it can be a little disjointed, since its two different bands putting their songs together; in black metal this is a very widespread practice, since its important for various bands to support each other for clout, however the downside can oftentimes be that you get two bands that are nearly identical in their music, lyrics and overall image, even worse when its multiple band splits. Fortunately, and for the better, both Taake and Whoredom Rife have here is small treat but a treat nonetheless.

Both bands have a very distinct and unique sound to themselves. I’ll start with Taake since they are the "big and famous band", on Taake's side of the split, there's one new song that in my honest opinion, displays the continued evolution and refinement of Hoest’s brand of black metal, the minimalistic approach which focuses on post punk, folk and hard rock inspired guitar work that displays layered melodies and catchy riffs and hooks, with a very dynamic but straightforward rhythm section in the drums and bass. The most noteworthy aspect of Taake's sound however is Hoest’s vocals, which now display his age, his signature screeching vocals are as harsh and punishing as they’ve ever been but sound much more weathered and controlled, as a whole it’s a refined and organic evolution from 2017's "Kong Vinter", surprisingly however, Hoest was also able to bring all of that in order to do a surprisingly good cover of The Sisters of Mercy song 'Heartland', all the elements of Taake’s sound that I already mentioned work perfectly in this cover. Some people don’t really appreciate how much mid and late 80’s Goth rock and Post-Punk inspired and have crossover potential with black metal, and Hoest fully flexes that with this cover.

On the other end of the spectrum we also have Whoredom Rife, similar to Taake, WR's sound is emblematic of traditional "TRVE KVLT" Norwegian black metal, however, this duo use black metal as a foundation for something much more interesting, whereas Taake is known for a minimalistic and straightforward approach, Whoredom Rife are the complete opposite, their chosen style is much more opulent and dense, there's a sense of epic grandiosity, but surprisingly and also similar to Taake, WR keep it within the realm and spirit of black metal, in many ways this band is the culmination of both V. Einride and K.R.'s entire experience within the Norwegian black metal scene, the band may be new but both members are seasoned veterans, and it shows. V. Einride's compositions and performance in all instruments is to be admired, while K.R.’s vocals are howling and forceful, they both contribute in giving their music a grand sense of scale that’s reminiscent of the mountains and valleys of Norway at night. It’s such a grand experience that you wouldn't believe that Whoredom Rife's music is done by only two people.

Overall, both bands manage to show off their individual strengths while also creating a very special experience, it’s a "two-sides-of-the-same-coin" situation; with Taake you get a gritty and very egocentric style of black metal, a singular vision and execution that sounds vintage, and with Whoredom Rife you get a much more complex and epic but no less authentic vision, the work of two masters at their craft.

The only noticeable flaw is the fact that it’s a split EP, just 4 songs which will leave you wanting more from both bands, but, and according to both bands, this is simply a teaser, a treat to satiate the appetite of their fans while both of them work in their next big full length albums, and I for one am very excited with whatever both bands do next.

Best Songs: 'Ubeseiret' (Taake), 'En Lenke Smidd I Blod' (Whoredom Rife).

Rating: 8.7 out of 10

Review by Greg on January 20, 2024.

For being at least the 17th metal band named Sovereign around the world, this up-and-coming Norwegian act sure knew which strings to pull when luring the unsuspecting listener (read: me) into their twisted world. The band lists illustrious compatriots Nekromantheon among their main inspirations, and lead guitarist Tommy Jacobsen even appeared live with the Kolbotn thrashers, along with already smashing necks with fellow axeman Vidar Fineidet in Nocturnal Breed's recent incarnation, so you should have a more than vague idea of what Sovereign are going to play on this debut LP Altered Realities.

However, when set against the last comparable example I heard last year (Corroder's "Both Feet In The Grave" EP), here the compositions benefit from a decidedly wider room to breathe, and dial down the blackened leanings in favour of a prominent deathrash influence, so it's safe to say that anyone invested in the contemporary Chilean scene (Dekapited, Critical Defiance, Behead, and so on) will feel at home here as well. The intriguing, old-school Dan Seagrave-esque artwork no doubt plays its part, despite the ridiculously out-of-place album title slapped on it with the most anonymous stock font they could find. But okay, we're nitpicking here, let's not distract our focus from the music... it more than deserves it.

Indeed, Altered Realities delivers on all fronts. For starters, the hyperactive and outright barbaric drumming courtesy of Execration's Cato Syversrud, which could single-handedly inject life in so many inoffensive bands around, and it's hard not to hear a certain Martin van Drunen influence in Simen Grong's fiercely shouted vocals, but the real shocker came from the guitars, and precisely the lead one. Now, before you worry, there isn't any neoclassical wankery or stuff like that, if you somehow thought it would fit in an album like this. Still, the leadwork is far from incompetent, mindless shredding, with more than a pinch of melody to boot, and the numerous solos are among the highest points in basically every track – which is particularly remarkable in the deflagrating salvos of 'Nebular Waves', 'Futile Dreams', 'Synthetic Life', and especially middle highlight and personal pick 'The Enigma Of Intelligence', which shines on each and every aspect throughout its six minutes of playing time. Riffs are simply lethal wherever the pace kicks up, but even a largely slower number like the sinister 'Counter Tech' feels like a work made by the same hateful, deranged minds.

Luckily, Sovereign are also aware that this style goes well with a raw production, yet without neglecting the mixing (Grong's bass is akin to a barrage of wallops to my stomach and I wouldn't want it any other way), and that 40 minutes is by and large the upper bound in terms of length for such an intense experience. Yeah, by all means, hard to ask for more from such a complete package.

Now, it's true that the four Sovereign dudes are the exact opposite of novices at their craft, but Altered Realities was a welcome surprise nonetheless. While the choice of having the two longest episodes bookend the release makes it rather challenging, with especially closer 'Absence Of Unity' feeling too long for its own good (even without taking the 4-min instrumental coda into account), its honest and sincere, not to mention oppressive, vibes can make up for almost any imperfections. Despite being the absolute first 2024 album I've heard so far, I wouldn't be surprised to find it again in my personal top 10 at the end of the year, although it's a long way to go to be 100% sure, as of now. But in the meantime, why aren't you still listening to it?

Rating: 8.1 out of 10