In addition to being one of Norway’s finest and most consistent Black Metal purveyors, we now know that 1349 are also patrons to the fine arts. You see, 1349 was part of a group of artists selected by Innovasjon Norge, Visit Norway and the Munch Museum to musically interpret the work of Norwegian artist Edvard Munch. I’ve read that Black Metal is Norway’s largest cultural export so it’s only fitting to have one if its most deft practitioners get in on that Munch action.

While I am egotistical enough to have selected Munch’s ‘The Scream’, 1349 chose the moody and fitting ‘Dødskamp’ piece to serve as muse. Dødskamp (Season of Mist) gets going with an almost proggy riff that suggests that 1349 are ready to turn over a new leaf, but a nearly a minute goes by and we’re reminded why they’re so esteemed in their trade. Drummer Frost drives in the double kicks, blasts and Archaon matches him kindly with chilly riffage that immediately makes me realize we haven’t had new music from these titans since 2014. And before you know it, it’s all over.

Thankfully, there is a live version of ‘Atomic Chapel’ to hold you over, but you still want a little more. Can we get 1349 to give us a full album on an assortment of paintings from various artists?

8 / 10

HANS LOPEZ