Artist: Various
Album: Vánagandr Label Compilation
Label: Vánagandr (V-06)
Limitation: Unknown
Country: Iceland
Genre: Black Metal
Year: 2015
I'd like to preface this review by saying that if you're a fan of modern, forward thinking black metal that is nevertheless steeped in tradition, there's no reason not to own this compilation. Vánagandr, however young, is quickly becoming THE go to label for exceptional black metal, Icelandic or otherwise. With names like Sinmara (ex-Chao), Misþyrming, Svartidauði and Naðra, this is by far the best label comp I've heard since the Worship Black Twilight CD-R back in 2009. None of these songs feel like leftovers from their album counterparts (and indeed, one or two are album tracks), and like the Crepusculo Negro collective, the artists share a unity of sound that lends well to the compilation format. I haven't included sound samples for this recording - the artists involved are easy enough to find online - but I highly recommend ordering this tape direct from the label and exploring each of these groups further. If you have any interest in black metal whatsoever, you won't be disappointed.
Highest possible recommendation.
LISTEN