JORD
Tundra HAMMERHEART
Atmospheric black metallers find new lessons from folklore
Having started as a solo black metal project with elements of blackgaze and post-rock, Jord’s third album now finds founder Jörgen Ström as part of a trio. Mixing tales from Swedish folklore with the struggles of modern-day society, Tundra is often as chilling as the titular biome, with Mara and Snöffödd painting vast soundscapes via harsh vocals, occasional blastbeats and expansive guitar tones. However, these are frequently offset by moments of unexpected, melodious warmth, like the gorgeous guitar solo in Själens Död and The Fall’s piano-led second half. Jord may now have two more members, but their music remains captivating.