Djerv - Djerv
Scandinavia has spawned some stellar alternative acts in the past, with In Flames, Children Of Bodom and Amon Amarth being just a few of the region's excellent exports.
Another band that will undoubtedly make this list, sooner rather than later, is Djerv. Hailing from Oslo, the Norwegians, who grouped early last year, are quite clearly a metal-driven bunch, but are distinctly different to their scene's predecessors.
Whilst Agnete Kjolsrud's strong vocals may instantly draw comparisons to fellow frontwomen Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy) and Tarja Turunen (ex-Nightwish), Kjolsrud and her bandmates, guitarist Stian Karstad and drummer Erlend Gjerde, do succeed in standing out on their self-titled debut effort. Indeed, the nine-track album sees the trio hold their own, proving that they could potentially be at the forefront of female-fronted metal in the near future.
Bursting into the rampant release with a banshee-like bellow of "Madman" and backed up by a beefy riff, it is easy to see why this tune was chosen as the first single. Not only is it delightfully heavy, but it is also incredibly catchy and will garner the right attention, which is ultimately what Djerv are striving for.
However, it is follow-up track 'The Bowling Pin' that strikes the biggest chord, with its melodic vocal harmonies, which showcase Kjølsrud's astounding ability to flutter from edgy and harsh to sweet and soaring tones, that are further complemented by the punchy guitar and drum beats.
The trio clearly know their strengths and play to them incessantly, this has undeniably come from their experience, having all been involved in musical projects previously. Again, this is reinforced on songs such as 'Gruesome Twosome', which flirts with the fine line between angsty rock and gothic metal, and sinister sounding 'Only I Exist'.
Having formerly expressed their fondness for black metal, it is unsurprising that this 'Satanic' style, that initially started in Norway, has influenced the band's music. It is perhaps most visible on 'Ladder To The Moon' and 'Blind The Heat', both of which are dark and destructive. But, as demonic as it might be, it goes without saying that this is an incredibly impressive full-length from Djerv. The Scandinavian three-piece have done not only themselves proud, but the native scene also.