Kampfar – Profan (Indie Recordings)

Genre: Black Metal

Kampfar set the bench pretty high with 2014’s Djevelmakt and have maintained that standard with Profan, a potent work of fire, brimstone and blastbeats.

Ok, so the Norwegians are unlikely to be spoken about with the same reverence as Emperor, Immortal, Satyricon et al – their songwriting has never been as inspirational or otherworldly as that of those acts – but Kampfar are nevertheless adept at tapping into BM’s raging spirit and harnessing its dark power, fusing it with melodies hewn from Arctic ice. Daimon, with its sinister intro and piano motif, is a highlight here, as is the explosive title track, which boasts one of the band’s catchiest riffs to date.

After more than 20 years in the game, Kampfar remain a class outfit: their delivery is tight, slick and unrelentingly aggressive, and while there are a few forgettable moments on Profan, the quartet’s seventh full length is still worth raising a drinking horn to.

RUSHONROCK RATED: 7/10 Curse Words