BLODSGARD – Monument (2013) CD Review | Atmospheric Norwegian Black Metal

Pulse Rating: 9.25 / 10

Some albums arrive quietly, without hype or urgency, but once they settle into your life they never really leave. "Monument" is one of those records. From the moment I first held this CD and took in the cover art, it was clear that Blodsgard were aiming for something lasting — not just another black metal release, but a fully formed statement built on patience, introspection, and emotional weight.

⛤ Genre: Black Metal
⛤ Format: CD – Album (2013)
⛤ Condition: Mint
⛤ Price: 12.50€

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"Monument" does not rush its impact. It unfolds deliberately, shaped by years of refinement and reworking, and you can hear that patience in every transition. The album breathes with a distinctly Norwegian atmosphere — cold, restrained, but deeply emotional beneath the surface. This is black metal that understands dynamics, that knows when to strike with aggression and when to pull back into contemplation.

The opening tracks establish a warlike, confrontational presence through sharp tremolo picking and disciplined pacing, but Blodsgard never allows the album to stagnate. Melodic passages surface naturally, often carrying a sense of grief or resignation rather than triumph. The programmed drums deserve special mention — far from feeling artificial, they reinforce the album’s precision and control, locking the compositions into a rigid but effective framework.

What truly elevates "Monument" is its emotional range. Songs stretch beyond traditional structures, allowing moods to evolve organically. Acoustic passages, subtle electronic elements, and carefully placed clean or whispered vocals give the album depth without ever softening its core. There’s a constant tension between fury and vulnerability, as if the music itself is wrestling with its own intent.

The title track stands as the album’s emotional centerpiece. Expansive, ritualistic, and solemn, it feels less like a song and more like a ceremony. Later, “Svart blod flyter” closes the record on a bleak and haunting note, leaning into depressive territory without resorting to clichĂ©. Its length and pacing demand full attention, rewarding the listener with one of the most memorable moments on the album.

As a physical release, "Monument" gains even more power. This is an album meant to be experienced as a whole, uninterrupted, with lyrics, artwork, and sequencing all reinforcing its atmosphere. Digital listening doesn’t do justice to the weight and intent behind this record — this is black metal that benefits from being owned, revisited, and lived with.

Blodsgard didn’t just create an album here; they created a document of intent, emotion, and identity. "Monument" lives up to its name — not through excess, but through discipline, depth, and lasting impact.

Tracklist

1. PĂĄkallelsen – 03:25
2. Mentalt minefelt – 03:40
3. Sjeler vil brenne – 04:21
4. Hagalls sirkel – 03:14
5. Monument – 06:39
6. Livet er avlyst! – 07:32
7. Kaoskonstruksjon – 04:58
8. Svart blod flyter – 09:05
Total time: 42:54

Released by The Oath (Italy)

Line-up

Fredrik Rex – Vocals, Guitars
Stein Akslen – Lyrics

Artwork & Credits

Photography, Design: Fredrik Rex
Logo, Photography: Stein Akslen
Cover Art: Mark Cooper
All drums programmed

Additional Notes

Track 8 was previously titled “Mitt blod flyter” before the album release.

Official Band Links:
Bandcamp · Official Website · Facebook · Instagram

🔥 For fans of:

atmospheric Norwegian black metal, introspective black metal, long-form black metal compositions

BLODSGARD – ITEMS AVAILABLE AT PULSE RECORDS

Item Format Price Condition Order
Blodsgard – Monument (2013 CD, Album) CD 12.50€ Mint Order

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