A.H.P. – ALLTID IMOT DEG

A tense and ominous buildup gradually unfolds before erupting into a deeply unsettling scream from Armagog. The sound quickly turns heavy and crushing, with the drums mirroring the slower pacing of the opening moments to reinforce the threatening atmosphere. Armagog’s vocals arrive exactly as expected-cold, commanding, and fiercely aggressive-gripping the composition with unwavering intensity. It serves as a powerful and effective introduction to the album. Next up is 'Lust for Murder', which introduces the first guest appearance on "Alltid Imot Deg": none other than Onielar, whose voice cuts through the track like a terrifying banshee. Much like the opener, the song begins with a tense and ominous buildup, driven by distorted guitar lines and a murky, rumbling bass presence. In the background, distant screams gradually intensify, clawing their way to the surface as the composition unfolds. Onielar’s unmistakable vocal delivery brings a sinister and commanding edge, perfectly suited to the song’s atmosphere. As the track progresses, additional layers of carefully crafted sonic textures emerge, giving the piece a steadily expanding depth. After the already established dark and melodic buildup at the beginning of 'In Endless Disgust', Gulnar enters with rasping, almost breathless vocal work that immediately heightens the track’s tension. What follows is a striking passage driven by a melodic guitar riff, supported by drumming that complements the guitar lines with precision. The vocal delivery conveys a powerful sense of pain, hatred, and profound human disgust. Positioned at the center of the album, the track works effectively as a grim and emotionally charged midpoint.

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A thick and promising bass line immediately stands out in 'Nocturnal', helping to establish the song’s dense atmosphere. Combined with marching drum patterns and an eerie guitar riff, the track develops a dark and steady momentum. A brief passage featuring subtle synth textures introduces an otherworldly quality that adds an intriguing dimension to the composition. The vocals remain exceptional, maintaining the same cold intensity that runs consistently throughout the album. The album concludes with the title track, 'Alltid Imot Deg', which also features the final guest appearance on the record, this time by JMRM. The song begins with ethereal, almost calming sounds that briefly create the illusion of tranquility. Within moments, however, that fragile atmosphere begins to fracture as grimy guitar riffs slowly rise to the surface, breaking the trance-like mood. When the vocals arrive, they strike with force,spitting and biting through the mix with raw intensity. Subtle ambient details, such as faint piano notes and distant church bells, add depth to the arrangement. Above it all towers a tortured and anguished vocal performance that gives the track much of its emotional weight. At over 15 minutes in length, the composition stands as the album’s most expansive moment and a fitting, imposing finale to "Alltid Imot Deg".

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With "Alltid Imot Deg", A.H.P. deliver a dark, immersive record that thrives on atmosphere, intensity, and carefully layered songwriting. The combination of Gulnar’s uncompromising vision, the varied guest vocals, and the album’s dense soundscape results in a work that feels both oppressive and compelling. It is a challenging but rewarding listen, further cementing A.H.P. 's place as a distinctive force within the black metal underground.

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SCORE 9/10

Reviewed by SWAMPY

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