1339 - Taake Nordbundet 2011

Eighteen years after forming, Taake has stayed true to the group’s Norwegian black metal roots. Although not as recognized as Darkthrone, Satyricon and Immortal, Taake is as true in their convictions and style as any of the early '90s Scandinavian bands one will see on an American stage. Mid to fast-paced, heavy, cold, dark, melodic, sometimes melancholic songs. Hoest's trademarked vocal sound is at it's best here; the high piercing vocals screaming like a banshee out of hell with a serious vendetta against someone. Never do you feel that he's straining to maintain the wonderfully evil sounding screech he has perfected and never fails to impress. Hoest's vocals aren't the only ones worth mentioning though, as this album has an all-star lineup of guest vocals, as Attila Csihar from Mayhem on "Nordbundet".