Year of release: 2018
Label: Carnal Records
Rating: 8,2 / 10
Swedish band GRÁ is popular today - after all, a couple of years ago it transformed from an underground Swedish project with intriguing stylistics into a "band of DARK FUNERAL' singer". I must say that "Väsen", today touted in every way by the profile press, is really a very strong album. At least it is much more interesting than the last DARK FUNERAL. Since the basis of all GRÁ works is "the dark side of Scandinavian spirituality," it allows musicians to apply different approaches to their music. "Väsen" does not slip into a typical Swedish blasting, it also does not throw itself into the abyss of the occult. And it has no cocky pathos a-la WATAIN. The group succeeds in combining a rather aggressive modern sound with a transcendental atmosphere. Let's add the advanced composer's thinking to this, thanks to which each next song is not similar to the previous one, but also does not slide into a hodgepodge of genres. Everything is very strict, in no way experimental, avant-garde, etc. This case, when the group's lack of style is itself a style. As for the concept of the album, it's difficult for me to say something definite, since only three songs out of eight are performed in a language I understand. However, everything is fine here too - apparently the same Scandinavian spirituality here is fantastically mixed with the images and feelings of a man who was in the war. This idea is definitely worh studying. I strongly recommend "Väsen" for acquaintance and purchase, but I warn that from the first time it may not reveal itself.
English (UK) 
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