Back in the day (something like then years ago or so) when I was first getting into black metal one of the very first recordings I picked up was the one and only album from the Norwegian band, Kvist.' Their 1996 full-length, 'For Kunsten Maa Vi Evig Vike' has stood the test of time for me and still to this day I largely consider this as one of the most original and absolutely most supreme offerings ever within the Norwegian black metal scene.
What truly made Kvist special, is that Kvist's music was diverse and different. Often times moving at a mid-paced speed while at other times going at a blinding fast pace with raging fast double bass drums, the band even slowed down a bit here and there and often times managed to create some very epic sounding moments too.
Contrasting to almost all other black metal bands of the mid-90's period, the two guitarists semi-raw but highly melodic guitar melodies were absolutely breathtaking and the fully audible bass guitar was something nearly unheard of in black metal music at the time. The drum work was also clever the whole way with plenty of frantic double bass work and plenty of drum rolls and cymbal crashes too. I also find it quite interesting the way the drummer changes pace in the songs suddenly, which is not really that typical in black metal, but this surprising choice works perfectly.
The vocals I can only describe as some sort of whispery black metal voice filled with hatred and evil, which I honestly can't think of any other comparison due to how original they sound. The lyrics, although not included in the booklet, are entirely in the Norwegian language. Therefore it's remained something of a mystery as to what they are about though I'm inclined to think that if you understand the language you might be able to decipher what is being said.
Finally one of the best aspect's of Kvist's music was the synthesizers. For me the synths are absolutely some of the most, if not, the most memorable melodies ever created on a symphonic black metal record. The synths carry a similar feeling that the early records from Satyricon and Emperor had, though they somehow sound even darker, more epic and just simply beautiful sounding throughout the entire album. It must also be stated that the synths play more of a backing role on this album allowing the vocals, guitars, bass and drums to be fully audible, whereas almost all other symphonic black metal releases place them in the front.
As for favorites, well, the album only contains six songs and I can safely say these are six of the finest black metal songs ever wrote. Seriously if I was to put together some sort of top fifty favorite black metal songs I'd absolutely have to include every song from this album because each one is simply flawless. Seriously though, 'Svartedal' is probably the best black metal song ever.
Stated earlier, Kvist only created this one and only album and curiously none of the members names are even mentioned in the booklet, though Trondr Nefas of Urgehal was said to have been in this band at one point, but it still does make me wonder if the names mentioned on Metal Archives are in fact the true participants on this album.
I've been listening to, ' For Kunsten Maa Vi Evig Vike' for about ten years now and since that very first spin I knew this album would stick with me for life. If you're curious to hear this album you don't have to worry about paying high amounts for it on eBay since it was recently re-released and should be easily available.
It is a shame that Kvist didn't create more than this one album, but at least they gave us this one album to cherish for many, many years.
Now, if any one has seen any Kvist patches then definitely let me know. My metal vest is aching to have one attached to it.
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