[youtube]http://youtu.be/nCul1ONflOk[/youtube]

Today in 2010, the most recent album from Dark Fortress, their sixth, was released in some territories of Europe. The lead guitar work on Ylem is amazing for a black metal album. And yes, lead guitar work on a black metal album. I am amazed, too. I was so happy to hear the production is top notch in all aspects, except a little muddy in terms of vocals. It is also somewhat experimental and spacey, with long instrumental gaps. The juxtaposition between mellowy-spacey and outright heavy is pretty cool. This was a really fun, but at times, contrasting album. It took an different stance for sure. My personal favorite track on the album is easily “Evenfall” because it’s doomy, and atmospheric. I love my doom. There are also some more traditional black metal tracks like “Silence” for those more interested with that.

Spacey albums are generally always hit and miss for everyone. I can see just as many people loving this album as I can passing it up. The long parts can drag on a little bit, but it never really bothered me.

Favorite Tracks: “Evenfall,” “The Valley,” “Nemesis,” “Osiris”

This was a really good black metal release. Really different from most of what I’ve heard. It took the chance to be something different, and it really paid off. I have not listened to anything else by Dark Fortress, so I’ve become interested in seeing if all of their work is as atypical to the genre as this one was.