Black Hole Generator is the invention of Bjørnar E. Nilse (Vulture Industries) who has taken time to relocate the monstrous event horizon in lieu of producing monumental artists such as Taake and Helheim. Although this is the debut album it’s not the first time we’ve heard of BHG. The first entry came in ’06 with a MCD titled Black Karma and now a decade later rising from the depths of obscurity comes the full-length A Requiem for Terra.
Norwegians seem to have an affinity for manifesting pure berserker-like energy into a force of nature, creating blasphemous gales of song, and Black Hole Generator are the storm. Working their own unearthly magic into an ear whipping masque of terror and fulfilled by hate. Requiem for Terra is an invocation of ancient evil.
Bjørnar E. Nilse isn’t the only Black Metal marauder on this release, as Arve Isdal of Enslaved and Gjermund of Taake lend their diabolical talents to ensure this album reached the event horizon. With additional guitars by Dag Terje Andersen (not the Labour politician but with Fenriz of Darkthrone sitting for Kolboton you never know!)
Riffing on the now quarter of a century old Norwegian scene this album whips its dynamics into a severe cry for absolution, having both grand builds with furious tear downs, A Requiem for Terra is ever evolving. Varying the use of the staple black metal techniques but without any of the genres insufferable pretense. It’s straight up and it’s true. It’s true Norwegian black metal that of course features folk elements.
We may know the folk from their other ventures but BHG is a different monstrosity from their respective mains. The album is more sympathetic in its approach than the intense styles of Taake and Enslaved, implying a devil may care attitude throughout the slaughter, and that makes its creeping licks and hypnotic riffs all the more ominous.
It’s almost ironic considering Vulture Industries prog influence, that in comparison to fellow Norwegians Dødheimsgard, Requiem for Terra sounds like DHG as DHG have embraced a more progressive sound. If you ever wanted to find out what Satanic Art would sound like distorted through a wormhole then this album is your icon of sin.
9/10
