2009 split between The Netherlands finest Black Metal weirdos, Urfaust and the dark, moody rock warble of Norway’s Joyless. Ripped from the vinyl release on the very fine Ván label. Eh, that’s Ván as in the river that the Fenrir wolf lives in from Norse mythology – NOT the customized, “down by the river” van.

Willem’s vocals aren’t “normal” for Black Metal or Metal in general and in part that’s what makes Urfaust such a unique band. Joyless has been around for awhile and came from the ashes of the Norsk BM band Forgotten Woods – who were pretty odd unto themselves. Joyless continues in that tradition. Not something you’ll “get” right away but it REALLY pays off!

((((((((((1))))))))) Fades in slow, very steady and warm, beautifully monotonous riffing. Willem’s vocals are almost ghostly but expressive. This glides across a darkened river in the hinterlands.
JOYLESS
(((((((2))))))) Strange, haunting female vocals that sound like a lo-fi version of Lydia Lunch and (early) Liz Frazer (Cocteau Twins. Tambourine, minimal drums, doomy guitars & tempo. Would work very well in a 70’s atmospheric horror movie.
---Ragnar of Ravensfjord