Album Review: Hjort – Evolve IV-VIII (Inertial Music)

Hjort, the project of V/Haze Miasma‘s guitarist, Atmosphere, release  their new album, Evolve IV-VIII, on the 24th of January via Inertial Music.

Hjort is a studio project and is entirely the solo work of V/Haze Miasma’s guitarist who goes by the title Atmosphere.  The band have been labelled as being Instrumental Melodic Blackened Doom Metal which ticks off about as many genres as you can possibly fit into a label. Evolve IV-VII is Hjort’s second release, following the 2022 release titled Trilogy I-III. Musically there are definite similarities to the melancholy and hypnotic sounds of V/Haze Miasma, though obviously without vocals so if you are a fan of them, you are likely to love this. In their own words, Hjort are:

creating an unique sound experience using elaborate arrangements, partly referring to realms of post-black metal, doom or progressive and symphonic music, simultaneously denying to be categorized properly. The aesthetics of autumn and winter, forests and mountains still are the visual keynote of Atmosphere‘s work and thus distinctly perceptible in the
music.

Evolve IV-VIII gets underway with IV and is my first introduction really to Hjort. After a few minutes of atmosphere building, echoing and distorted music that is very patiently building, I think I know what to expect. There are still plenty of hints at V/Haze Miasma’s sound as attention to detail is at the forefront with Hjort. The gentle layering of sounds and melody, subtle effect use and patience really allows the listener to embed themselves in the sounds. As the song transforms from it’s subtle start, drawn out crunching riffs and and a steady, booming drum beat lead us onwards.

Melody plays a big part too, sitting above or in with the darker, doom tones to create a neat contrast. It moves through many different phases, from the slow and methodical start, through to a steadier rhythm and then from that to a much heavier, intense section yet through each transformation, the atmosphere stays consistent and draws you in. It’s a wonderful start. V continues the patient and subtle post sounds with deep and wistful music combining gloriously with hypnotic melody. It’s a shorter piece but no less expansive as melancholic metal is delivered in a unique and eery, yet beautiful way.

VI builds gently with reverberating bass tones and slow thumps of drums. A little twinkle of melody lightens the mood before waves of crushing doom sounds wash over you. The pace picks up for a bit, as does the intensity though it soon drops back down into a very natural feeling, almost folk feel yet in doom tones. Transitioning between these melancholic and wistful sounds into the intense fiery riff/drum ages is an impactful way to keep your feet fully planted in the atmosphere of Evolve IV-VIII. The growing lead guitars as the song progresses really make sure that melody has an important place in the overall song too.

VII is our penultimate track but with around 18 minutes of music with these last two tracks, there is still plenty to get stuck into and enjoy.  Here Hjort continue the grand and cinematic sounds with a moody and dark beat softened by some ringing guitars. A word I have used a bit so far but it is accurate is patient and that is how the song evolves, gently building, moving the pace up a touch, then dropping back down. Never rushed, it feels purposeful. A subtle drop to softened melody leads you into a wistful state before an explosion of heavier sounds rock you.

Still keeping the overall gloomy vibe, the drums hit hard, the riffs have crunch yet the melody still opens the curtains and allows rays of light to permeate the darkness. There is some really cool stuff happening here, outside of the general grand beauty of the whole piece. The crunchy riffs with about 3 minutes left will have you headbanging. The echoing melodic drops will have you close your eyes and sway. It’s very impactful music and the quick cuts between heavier sounds and softened ones keep you on your toes.

We close out this remarkable body of work with VIII which delivers another stunning track to close out an album of immense feeling and beauty, even at it’s darkest points. Combining moments of patient building foundations and melody, then transitioning into meatier tones and big waves of crunchy doom, you feel fully immersed in what Hjort are delivering. This is instrumental music that doesn’t need vocals or lyrics because the music speaks volumes. The guitars are phenomenal again and there is a nice touch of symphonic arrangement shining through to add a touch more epicness at points.

I really like the subtle verses, with tapping rhythm and a ringing chord. It’s clever and hypnotic to listen to but look, words will never do music as powerful as this justice. It has to be heard and has to be felt to truly appreciate it.  Hjort close out Evolve IV-VIII in the same way they started. Delivering an album of immense quality from the first note to the last. It is beautiful, at times dark, at others, light, but always beautiful. Strong emotions are invoked constantly throughout the album where I found myself often becoming transfixed, or hypnotised as the stunning sounds washed over me. It’s a very powerful release, from a very talented artist.

It may only be January but this is album of the year quality already.

Tracklist:

1. IV (9:15)
2. V (5:58)
3. VI (7:56)
4. VII (8:07)
5. VIII (9:11)

Hjort Links:   

Bandcamp – Inertial Music