Noregs vaapen cover

Noregs vaapen

Taake · 2011

46 min · 7 tracks · black metal

A relentless assault of atmospheric black metal infused with haunting melodies and Norwegian folklore themes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fra vadested til vaandesmed — This opening track sets the tone with an intense blend of melody and aggression, showcasing Taake's knack for atmospheric storytelling.
  • →
    Orkan — The track features dynamic shifts between blistering riffs and melodic interludes, highlighting the band's ability to balance ferocity with beauty.
  • →
    Dei vil alltid klaga og kyta — As the longest track on the album, it encapsulates Taake's ambitious songwriting, unfolding layers of complexity that reflect themes of struggle and resilience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album combines aggressive instrumentation with melodic elements and thematic depth, making it a strong entry in black metal.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a rapid-fire blast beat that persists through the first three tracks, establishing a relentless pace.
  • Melodic guitar lines weave in and out of the harsh vocal delivery, creating a contrast between aggression and haunting beauty.
  • Several tracks feature tempo shifts, particularly in the latter half, where slower, atmospheric passages allow for thematic reflection.
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
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

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

  • haunting melodies with relentless energy
  • immersive journeys through folklore themes
  • intense atmosphere for focused listening
  • cathartic release of pent-up emotions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer light-hearted, upbeat music
  • want quick, easily digestible tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Noregs vaapen' was released in 2011, Taake had solidified their reputation within the black metal scene, following their acclaimed album 'Hordalands doedskvad' from 2005. This album marked their return after a six-year hiatus, showcasing a matured sound that expanded on their earlier work while maintaining their signature raw edge.
Stylistic neighbors
Darkthrone· Burzum· Emperor

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Fra vadested til vaandesmed 6:47
  • 2 Orkan 6:17
  • 3 Nordbundet 5:25
  • 4 Du ville ville Vestland 6:51
  • 5 Myr 5:35
  • 6 Helvetesmakt 5:37
  • 7 Dei vil alltid klaga og kyta 10:17

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata