THE 1995 EPIC OF DOOM, NORWEGIAN FOLK & BLACK METAL FROM DARKTHRONE’S FENRIZ. DOUBLE DISC EDITION MARKING THE ALBUM’S 30th ANNIVERSARY, INCLUDING COMMENTARY DISC FROM FENRIZ.
Isengard was the solo-project initially started in 1989 by Fenriz – one of the key driving forces behind Norwegian legends Darkthrone - because he had many musical ideas to explore that didn't strictly fit in with the style & music of his main band. Under the Isengard moniker, Fenriz released 2 albums encapsulating doom, death, black & Folk/Viking metal in the shape of 'Vinterskugge' & 'Høstmørke', with ‘Vårjevndøgn' added to this line of influential work upon its release in 2020.
‘Høstmørke’, meaning Autumn Darkness, was the second Isengard album, (even though the debut, ‘Vinterskugge’ is a collection of sorts). It was released in 1995 & featured a continuation of Norwegian folk elements mixed with some doom, with all instruments once again performed by Fenriz himself, as well as the now-trademark vocal delivery. The latter part of the album also features a couple of black metal tracks which explore territory a bit more in line with Darkthrone, particularly the track ‘Total Death’. Høstmørke is also notable for featuring a couple of small guest appearances from Aldrahn (Thorns, ex Dødheimsgard) & Vicotnik of Dødheimsgard.
This edition of ‘Høstmørke’ marks the 30th anniversary of the album’s release, & contains the special commentary disc conducted by Fenriz & originally released in 2010, reflecting on the recording process, as well as an insight into the time of the recording.
DISC 1:
1. Neslepaks (Skapelsen - The Creation) (05:32)
2. Landet og Havet (The Land & The Sea) (01:07)
3. I Kamp med Hvitekrist (In Battle With Christ) (04:57)
4. I ei Gran Borti Nordre Asen (In A Spruce Far Into The Northern Ridge) (03:43)
5. Over de Syngende Oede Moer (Over The Singing Wastelands) (05:52)
6. Thornspawn Chalice (08:10)
7. Total Death (02:50)
DISC 2:
Same Tracks as above with Commentary by Fenriz