In their email, they mentioned the fact that they like the open-minded approach of Merchants Of Air. They said that they were "surprised by a lot of music genres you are reviewing" and that "It's great because in our music we do not stick with just one genre". Naturally, that's a compliment for me and I'd like to return the favor. Not just because of their friendly message but also because this ep is pretty damn good. It's slow, depressive, harsh, atmospheric and malevolent. I know, those aren't words you'd associate with the term 'good', but for post-blackened doom metal it is.
Veturheim fit in perfectly with so-called "blackgaze" bands like Deafheaven, Alcest and Lantlôs, to name a few. Yet, they seem to be rooted more into the black metal scene of the nineties than just being another band jumping on the blackgaze wagon. Perhaps it's the production, but the two songs 'Fade' & 'Hollow Hearts' are slow but fierce blackened doom tracks, reminding me a bit of acts like Nortt or Burzum. I especially like the use of samples in the first track, alternating with those eerie screams and immersive guitars.
In their email, they also mentioned that they were looking for a label. Personally, I hope they find one soon. One that locks them up in a studio, throw in a professional producer and take care of decent mastering. If that happens, I see no reason why this act shouldn't become a name to be reckoned with in the blackgaze scene.
Serge