Norwegian Metalvaganza 2009

Norwegian Metalvaganza is a highly informal annual ceremony, awarding the best records of the previous year. As of now, the jury consist of only one member. That would be Niflheim (a.k.a ‘me’). But I’ll take the opportunity thank some of the members of Nettby  for nominees.

The purpose of these awards are recognizing much of the brilliant work done by norwegian musicians, as well as attempting to promote norwegian metal to foreign readers. Each of the bandnames links to their official myspace, unless otherwise is stated. Norwegian metal lives on, incredible enough – in spite that the first black metal boom has gone.

Some categories of heavy metal had to be forsaken due to little or no activity at all. Sadly this includes industrial, goth, death, symfo, grind and metalcore for instance. But the norwegian scene has always been planted in the more extreme and dark roots of metal, resulting in intensified competition in those genres.

BLACK METAL

Norway’s foremost musical export still thrives, and also got the most extensive list of nominees. It was a close race, but I ended up on the enigmatic band Taake (‘fog’), which released a classic self-titled album of cold, catchy, black misery.

Taake – Taake

Doedsjarl of Taake

Runner-ups:

Den Saakaldte – Øl, Mørke og Depresjon

Satyricon – The Age of Nero

Darkthrone – Black Flags and Dark Thrones

Khold – Hundre År Gammal

THRASH METAL (BLACK CROSSOVER)

A decrease in contestants didn’t necessecarily mean an easier decision. I fact I’m still not quite sure. But one thing is for certain; Aura Noir released a powerhouse record, maybe their best ever. Enjoy your beers!

Aura Noir – Hades Rise

Aura Noir

Runner-ups:

The Batallion – Stronghold of Men

Keep of Kalessin – Kolossus

HARD ROCK/SLEAZE/GLAM

Not many nominees this year, with only The Carburetors as real contenders. But the choice was simple. Nobody could compete with greaseballs Chrome Division’s fury and hellfire. Featuring Shagrath of Dimmu Borgir and Eddie Guz of The Carburetors.

Chrome Division – Booze, Broads and Beelzebub

Chrome Division lineup

POWER METAL/CLASSIC HEAVY METAL

With no competition to speak of, Jørn Lande is handed this award by default. Not that it diminishes his musical qualities in any way. He’s well known abroad for his excellent voice, and has fronted Masterplan.

Jorn – Lonely are the Brave

Jørn Lande

DOOM METAL

Another walk-over, in a genre thats pretty much overlooked in Norway. Not that there’s a shortage of fans, only a shortage of bands. Even so, the mighty Funeral would have eaten them for breakfast anyway.

Funeral – As the Light Does the Shadow

Funeral

STONER METAL/PSYCHEDELIA

Not being flooded by stoner-releases, which usually has a strong following in Norway, the award goes to the debut of Obscure. A solid and playful album, rooted in blues – drawing inspiration from titans like Black Sabbath and Clutch. Sahg managed to slighty dissappoint, compared to their excellent first album.

Obscure – On Formaldehyde

Obscure

Runner-up:

Sahg – II

FOLK METAL/VIKING METAL

Another popular genre, with quite a few releases each year. But the winner was pretty apparent from the start, taking an epic leap forward musically, as well as delivering explosive liveshows.

Helheim – Kaoskult

Helheim

Runner-ups:

Cor Scorpii – Monument

Kampfar – Heimgang

PROGRESSIVE METAL/AVANTGARDE

The winners of this category finally made the transition from viking metal into new territory, although the trend has been within sight ever since the release of  ‘Monumension’. This is another huge genre on these shores, with many well-received releases.

Enslaved – Vertebrae

Enslaved

Runner-ups:

Ihsahn – angL

Communic – Payment of Excistence

PUNK/CRUST

Another desolate genre in 2008. The victory was pretty much secured for Oi-punks Haggis, not to say that they didn’t deliver a decent debut.

Haggis – The Beginning of the End

Haggis