Looking at the artwork (and song titles) that Nytt Land has put out, one would reasonably assume that this is just another Scandinavian black metal band.

Um, no.

Nytt Land Odal (Cold Spring)

For starters, the band appears to be mostly (if not entirely) Russian. The base of the sound is folk music of the north, which in this case stretches from Scandinavia to Siberia. There is a lot of throat singing (which sounds a lot like a digeridoo), and the general effect is something in the ballpark of certain strains of traditional Native American music.

I don't have the first clue as to "authenticity". But the sound is arresting, and these songs (and the album) hold together quite well. There is a propulsive element that keeps the project moving at a solid clip.

The band does claim to the inspired by the "atmosphere" of black metal (thus the heavy mood, band logo and imagery, I suppose), but this music inspires wonder, not fear. Nytt Land is fearless in following its own path, and this album is easily its most complete work. I haven't heard anything quite like it . . . ever, I guess. Nytt Land is one serious rabbit hole.

Jon Worley