Taake (NOR) - Avvik - Review by Gravarson

 Dark Essence Records

     Release: 2 July 2021 

Taake is back with a collection of all their singles which never really fitted into any album and thus was released on different labels together with Whoredom Rife,Helheim & Deathcult over 3 different split 10".

"Avvik" translates to anomaly or deviation and is a fitting title for the release of these tracks.

There are cover tracks of Darkthrone's Ravnajuv here and Dr Mikannibal of SIGH did the honour of adding her saxophone on a slightly longer version of the Sisters Of Mercy cover "Heartland".

Both covers sound good and are in the familiar Taake style.

Taake has developed over the years in a good direction but still kept to the core basics and that is quite impressive I'd say.

All tracks are good in their own way and I see no reason to avoid "Avvik" if you are a black metal fan or just want to own all the tracks on one album.

The ingredients for Taake's music seems to be good and melodic melodies mixed with grim harshness.

Let's not forget the acoustic version of the classic track "Nattestid Ser Porten Vid I" which is done by their live guitarist Gjermund and is exclusive for this release and it's a very enjoyable and mellow cover which brings some nostalgia to mind.

This is surely something for collectors or just fans of good black metal as said.

Love it or hate it, I still enjoy Taake very much and the path they have taken.

The promo letter says that "Avvik" closes once chapter for Taake and opens a new one, this sounds very interesting as one never knows what these guys are up to.

Gravarson_almighty 

     Tracklist:

1. Ubeseiret
2. Heartland
3. Nattestid ser Porten vid I
4. Slagmark
5. Ravnajuv
6. Brotne Bein og Mannefall
7. Ein Baat i Foss

For more info, biography and more: https://www.facebook.com/taakeofficial

Taake - Gravkamre ,Kroner & Troner

Dark Essence Records

1.March 2013

Taake celebrates 20 years of True Norwegian Black Metal

Having started the band way back in 1993, mainman Hoest now celebrates 20 years of staying true to form by releasing a 20 song 2 CD collection of Taake rarities.

           Taake witch are celebrating their 20th year anniversary has decided to release a double disc this year containing 20 tracks of rarities consisting of two brand new tracks,bonus tracks from the vinyl versions and alternate versions & several from compilations.
All nicely presented on this 2 disc collection.
 
The first two tracks,the new ones 'Et Pust Av Oyene' & 'Hov Var Stein' sounds like a continuation of what they did on 'Noregs Vaapen' and are both pretty good tracks and should be essential listening if you like their previous works as these tracks easily could fit into their previous full lenght.
Especially when listening to 'Et pust Av Oyene' I can't stop thinking of 'Norbundet' and winter in general as I think they captured the same cold athmosphere on this one.

As I listen 'Hov Var Stein' I get this 'typical' but brilliant feeling while listening to Taake,very sick,twisted,melodic in it's own unique way.
Some people may wonder why they release this collection of pre-released tracks,since most of the fans probably have heard most tracks before except the unreleased.

But I think it's a good way to mark their anniversary so one can have all their bonus tracks from vinyls,compilations & rarities in one collection.

Overall a good release with a great selection of tracks,and I reallty enjoy the new tracks and some of the alternate tracks I haven't heard to much before. 
My credits to Taake for never giving up and going stronger than ever after 20 years of True Norwegian Black Metal !

There are few bands that captures me the way black metal used to,but this band continue to make music that makes me think of my nordic roots & inheritance while listening, and I have to salute them for that and congratulate with 20 years gone in a blast!

Recomended!

Band website: http://taake.svartekunst.no/
Label website: www.darkessencerecords.no