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TRUE NORWEGIAN BLACK METAL
Photo Essay by Peter Beste
Published by Vice Books,
Brooklyn, NY
A coffee table book for the rest of us, this compilation
consists of several years of photo shoots with a relatively few
members of Norway's black metal scene. Overall, the images represent
the opposing forces that make black metal both hypnotic and hostile.
A number of photos are scenic vistas of the Norwegian
countryside, which itself is both beautiful and brutal. It's
nice to look at, but one would not want to be caught outside
without shelter during the cold depths of winter, as the late
Valfar from Windir found out the hard way.
In stark contrast are the photos of the musicians
themselves. Some are stark and cold, others a little dark and
blurry. Again, much like the music they play. While relatively
few, there are a couple pictures that are just silly, such as
the photos of sinks and beds. I have a picture of Daemon's doormat,
big deal…
Other interesting features include a brief history
of black metal's origins by Metalion of Slayer
Magazine, a black metal timeline, and reprints from Slayer
Magazine and other early, obscure material. But why didn't they
update the black metal "family tree" from the "True
Kings of Norway" compilation?
Overall, this is an interesting, sometimes amusing
look at what goes on behind the reclusive, mysterious facades
and corpsepainted faces.
- Ruin |
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