Hordalands doedskvad cover

Hordalands doedskvad

Taake · 2005

50 min · 7 tracks · black metal

A relentless barrage of icy melodies and raw aggression, embodying the essence of Norwegian black metal's atmospheric depth.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Hordalands doedskvad 1 — The opening track sets a chilling tone with its blend of melodic riffs and aggressive drumming, encapsulating the album's overarching themes and style.
  • →
    Hordalands doedskvad 4 — This track showcases dynamic shifts between serene moments and ferocious bursts of energy, highlighting Taake's mastery of atmosphere and tension.
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    Hordalands doedskvad 7 — The closing piece serves as an epic culmination of the album's motifs, weaving together complex structures and emotional depth that leave a lasting impression.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and a strong atmosphere, solidifying Taake's place in black metal.

What we noticed

  • Each track is structured as a multi-part composition, with varying tempos and dynamics that shift throughout their length.
  • The album features extensive use of tremolo picking and blast beats, creating a relentless sonic assault characteristic of black metal.
  • Several tracks incorporate atmospheric interludes that contrast with the aggressive sections, enhancing the overall mood.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • immersive atmospheric soundscapes
  • long tracks for deep focus
  • intense emotional catharsis
  • relentless energy and aggression

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer light, upbeat music
  • seek short, catchy songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2005, Hordalands doedskvad marked Taake's third full-length album, following their acclaimed debut, Nattestid ser porten vid. By this time, the band had solidified their distinct sound and thematic focus, exploring deeply rooted Norwegian folklore and personal narrative through a black metal lens.
Stylistic neighbors
Darkthrone· Burzum· Emperor

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Hordalands doedskvad 1 7:43
  • 2 Hordalands doedskvad 2 6:02
  • 3 Hordalands doedskvad 3 6:16
  • 4 Hordalands doedskvad 4 8:16
  • 5 Hordalands doedskvad 5 6:03
  • 6 Hordalands doedskvad 6 7:17
  • 7 Hordalands doedskvad 7 9:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata