Described as exploring "fantasy writer Patrick Rothfuss' theory on the mind's abilities to cope with pain, by weaving it together with over 100 year old lamentations on human existence by early 20th century Icelandic existentialist poet Jóhann Sigurjónsson", it's hard to pinpoint the direction this musical journey could take soundwise. Iceland's DYNFARI's third full-length "The Four Doors Of The Mind" will, if nothing else, coagulate into a maelstrom of thoughts and ponderings while listening to this atmospheric, philosophical black metal band's latest effort.
Opening track 'The Four Doors of the Mind' involves an acoustic guitar and spoken word, issuing in second track '1st Door-Sleep', a mellow offering until a couple of minutes in, evolving into a blaring landscape of steady drumming, writhing guitars and anguished vocals. The album rises and falls, questions and answers our musings, storms and withers. '2nd Door-Forgetting' features more spoken word which bleeds into 'Sorg', yet another spoken word mixed with acoustic guitars. '3rd Door-Madness' plods and wanders, then drops into a melancholic fusing of atmosphere and beauty. Don't expect to bang your head to this album. Maybe meditation is a more likely activity, which wouldn't be a bad thing. 'Bikarinn' is more moodiness, more perceptive thinking, more wheel-turning, mind-numbing solitary shuddering. '4th Door-Death' ends the album on a consistent note, not deviating from the aura surrounding this collection of songs.
There aren't many words to describe "The Four Doors Of The Mind" in the way it should be described. But if you need a night to survey your thoughts, to gather your emotions, check it out. You may end the night a different being than before.
David Simonton
You can get your pre-order here..
Album is due to release April 14th, 2017