Released 20 years ago
Pitch Black Brigade
Vreid · 2006
42 min · 8 tracks · melodic black metal
A ferocious blend of melodic black metal and haunting melodies, steeped in Norse mythology and existential despair.
Top tracks — play these first
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Då draumen rakna — Opening with an atmospheric intro, this track sets the tone for the album with its intricate guitar work and lyrical exploration of dreams and despair.
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Left to Hate — This track combines aggressive riffs with melodic interludes, showcasing Vreid's ability to balance brutality with melody while highlighting themes of inner conflict.
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Hengebjørki — At nearly ten minutes long, this epic track represents the album's thematic depth, weaving together Norse mythology with a storytelling approach through dynamic shifts in tempo.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositions and production, balancing aggression with melody while exploring thematic depth.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a slow, atmospheric build-up before transitioning into fast-paced tremolo picking and blast beats.
- The final track concludes with an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of reflection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- ferocious intensity with haunting melodies
- narrative-driven exploration of despair
- cathartic release through aggressive sound
- midnight solitude with existential themes
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification tracks
- prefer light-hearted, upbeat music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2006, Pitch Black Brigade is Vreid's third studio album, following their transition from Windir after the tragic loss of their frontman. The album showcases a matured sound that blends their black metal roots with melodic elements, solidifying their identity in the post-Windir era.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Då draumen rakna 5:16
- 2 Left to Hate 4:38
- 3 Pitch Black 4:20
- 4 The Red Smell 4:42
- 5 Hengebjørki 9:20
- 6 Our Battle 3:34
- 7 Hang'em All 3:33
- 8 Eit kapittel for seg sjølv 6:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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