Limited vinyl, shipping mid september
Emerging from Basel in 2022, VÍGLJÓS (Old Norse for “the light which is just bright enough to be able to kill a man”) has since solidified its ranks into a potent four-piece, featuring members from both Germany and Switzerland. With their lineup now wielding guitar, drums, mellotron, and vocals, the band recently laid down their second album at Marc Obrist’s (Zeal & Ardor) Hutch Sounds in Oberwil, BL. Obrist’s meticulous work on recording, mixing, and mastering promises a production that will undoubtedly capture the band’s intense vision, complemented by striking artwork from Adrian Smith and layout by Luca Piazzalonga.
While VÍGLJÓS openly acknowledges the profound influence of Norwegian Second Wave Black Metal titans like Darkthrone, Immortal and Burzum (to name just a few), their sound is far from a mere homage. They skillfully weave the raw, frigid essence of ’90s Black Metal with unexpected layers of synth, intricate tremolo picking, and even light infusions of rock’n’roll riffs and beats. These elements are all underpinned by hauntingly atmospheric mellotron tracks, adding a unique depth to their dark canvas. For those who’ve experienced VÍGLJÓS live, the word is out: expect an “auditive, visual and olfactory experience” that lingers long after the final note.
Thematically, “Tome II – ignis sacer” delves deep into the phenomenon of ergotism – the voluntary or involuntary poisoning by ingesting the claviceps fungus that grows on wheat. This ancient affliction, which fueled historical phases of civil unrest, witch crazes, and societal meltdowns when climate favored its growth on essential food sources, is a central inspiration.
The band states, “On this new record, we want to honor the impact that Claviceps (and later LSD) and drugs in general had and still have on art, music, society, our self-image and medicine, as well as the terror and depravity they brought upon us.”
“Tome II – ignis sacer” will be coming out on September 19 via Les Acteurs de L’Ombre Productions in CD/LP and DIGITAL formats.
