Dulvitund - Allt Er Lífið Myrkur Draumur

Review by Lisa Ghisolf

Dulvitund's latest album, Allt Er Lífið Myrkur Draumur, is a haunting and atmospheric journey through the depths of the Icelandic wilderness. The album's title, which translates to "Everything is life, dark dream," perfectly encapsulates the eerie and otherworldly vibe of the music.

From the opening track "Þröng," with its ominous synth drones and distant howls, to the closing notes of "Kaldur Vetrardagur," which fades out into the sound of wind and snow, Allt Er Lífið Myrkur Draumur is a masterclass in creating a sense of place and atmosphere through sound.

The album is a showcase of Dulvitund's ability to blend elements of black metal, ambient, and drone into a cohesive and immersive whole. The guitars are often buried in layers of reverb and distortion, creating a wall of sound that is both oppressive and hypnotic. The drums and bass provide a steady, pulsing rhythm that drives the songs forward, while the synths and samples add texture and atmosphere.

Despite the heavy use of distortion and noise, there is a sense of melody and structure to the songs on Allt Er Lífið Myrkur Draumur. The album's standout track, "Svartir Himnar," is a perfect example of this. The song builds slowly, with a mournful guitar melody and distant vocals, before exploding into a wall of sound that is both beautiful and terrifying.

Summary by Lisa Ghisolf

Allt Er Lífið Myrkur Draumur is a stunning achievement and a must-listen for fans of atmospheric black metal and ambient music. Dulvitund has created a world that is both bleak and beautiful, and the album is a masterful exploration of that world.