I’ve always loved stories. As such I am captivated by music that weaves a narrative, whether it’s conjured from the depths of my imagination or gleaned directly from the artists’ intentions. Music is about connection nearly as much as it is about sound — it has to resonate with me on a deeper level. Sometimes, it’s the raw power that speaks to me while other times, it’s the gentle, soothing melodies that tug at my heartstrings. Occasionally, music seamlessly balances both extremes, creating a mesmerizing blend of both intensity and tranquility that keeps me enthralled. With their debut, Aftryk, Danish band Vægtløs promise a mix of power and delicacy, grip and release, packed within four tracks that comfortably traverse the realms of black metal, post metal, and post rock.
Aftryk deals with losing those who we hold dear, and from its atmospheric start, it grabs hold with a cold embrace. The opening track “Ingenting kan forhindre at små struber skælver en forårsnat” sets the mood with a metallic, industrial, and echoing spoken word that juxtaposes against guitar strings to create an unsettling sound that immediately captures attention. The Birds in Row reminiscent screamo vocals throughout the album further amplify the sense of pain and hit with an intensity that is both striking and relentless.
There’s a palpable post-rock influence evident right from the beginning, however, rather than following the more traditional path, Aftryk often feels like post rock in reverse, as each track starts in full force and builds towards something only to dissolve into waves of sonic oblivion. Indeed, this lack of progression may be the album’s greatest weakness. While individual tracks captivate with their moodiness and atmosphere, they ultimately fail to coalesce into a larger, more compelling whole. As a result, I felt left adrift in a sea of evocative sounds, longing for a sense of purpose and direction, which can easily start either feeling tiring or transforming into background music.
As the album carries on, an intriguing dynamic emerges between the drums and bass. When the bass takes center stage, the drums recede into the background, only to resurface with the bass momentarily quiets down. This interplay adds a layer of depth to the compositions, creating moments of tension and release that keep everything in focus. The intricate cymbal work adds a sense of urgency and I’ve found it fascinating to witness how Vægtløs translated their concept into music, as their instrument choices and what stands out versus what goes into the background felt like very deliberate choices.
With the crackling of static in closer “Tag dit knuste hjerte og lav det til kunst”, Vægtløs masterfully use negative space, as if a message is emerging from the depths of the unknown. As the music unfolds, with a grave voice lurking in the background, there is finally that sense of momentum. Perhaps this album is more than just a collection of songs; it’s an arc, with a narrative thread woven through each track, leading us through the labyrinth of existence. In contemplating the theme of death, Aftryk suggests it’s not merely a destination but an endless journey. Maybe then its setbacks also play as strong points, and with a nuanced approached it achieves its goal of exploring the depths of mortality with profound grace.
