Taake cover

Released 18 years ago this October

Taake

Taake · 2008

47 min · 7 tracks · black metal

A relentless blend of icy riffs and haunting melodies, immersing listeners in the foreboding atmosphere of black metal's Norwegian roots.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Atternatt — Opening with an expansive instrumental section, this track sets a haunting tone that encapsulates the album's dark themes and complex arrangements.
  • →
    Umenneske — This track exemplifies Taake's ability to intertwine aggressive riffs with melodic passages, showcasing dynamic shifts that keep listeners engaged throughout its lengthy runtime.
  • →
    Velg bort livet — Closing the album with an epic ten-minute journey, this track combines intricate guitar work with atmospheric elements, leaving a lingering sense of despair and reflection.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

53 /100
Foothills
Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album combines aggressive and melodic elements effectively but maintains a raw production style typical of black metal.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a fast-paced track that features blast beats and tremolo-picked guitar riffs, establishing a relentless energy.
  • Each song typically shifts between aggressive sections and more melodic interludes, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the record.
  • The production is raw and unpolished, which enhances the atmospheric quality of the music, immersing listeners in its dark themes.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
6/10

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
5/10

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 icy textures
  • immersive atmospheric listening experience
  • long tracks that demand attention
  • brooding soundscapes for deep reflection

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer upbeat, cheerful music
  • want quick, catchy songs

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on October 20, 2008, Taake marks the third studio album by the band, following their acclaimed 2005 release, 'Hordalands Doedskvad'. This album showcases Taake's commitment to evolving their sound while maintaining a strong connection to traditional black metal aesthetics.
Stylistic neighbors
Darkthrone· Burzum· Emperor

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Atternatt 6:52
  • 2 Umenneske 8:19
  • 3 Lukt til helvete 5:09
  • 4 Doedsjarl 5:29
  • 5 Motpol 5:16
  • 6 September omsider 5:16
  • 7 Velg bort livet 10:37

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata