Tårfödd - En Känsla Av Hopplöshet

Tårfödd is a one-man black metal band from Sweden, the mastermind behind it being Simon Lindgren (also of Grimveil).  This latest album, “En Känsla Av Hopplöshet,” is the project/band’s seventh full-length album, in addition to several EPs and a compilation.  

The album title translates roughly to “A Feeling of Hopelessness.” The lyrical and concept is focused around loss of someone close to Lindgren. This results in “En Känsla Av Hopplöshet,” being very raw in terms of its emotions.  Musically, it is atmospheric and melodic but also visceral and intense. The contrast between these levels of tender pain and roaring intensity make the album have a natural feel to it–this is a very grief ridden but honest album.   I don’t know if I would call this DSBM per say but the atmosphere is obviously haunting and depressing but I also sense quiet moments of clarity throughout.  I find this to be a unique album in the Tårfödd discography because it sounds like them but at the same time it sounds different—it’s a growth of their sound without compromising it.  

The production and mix bring to life these songs well. Although not raw, it doesn't shine either-the album exists in a comfortable spot where the abrasive qualities of black metal exist side by side with acoustics and melancholic textures.

The opening song, “I Sparen Av Pestens Art,” gives a pretty damn good overview of what to expect from the album. Acoustic music is very boring to me by itself but when used in conduct with other styles, it works wonders. The intricate clean instrument melds perfectly with the blackened aspect of the song as it carries with it the same musical themes and exploration. It's a beautifully moving song too. The lead guitar cuts right into the feels. When the fury of blackened hell arrives, it's made all the more potent. The melancholy drips off the riffs, brutal waves of pain cascading across the structure while the harrowing vocals rip through. 

The shorter compositions are just as effective though and will appeal to fans who want something a bit more straightforward—this album has something for everyone despite how personal it is.   “I en satans misär,” is a four minute banger that takes the essence of blackened foundations and pushes it to the tenth degree.  This one has it all: fiery vocals, groove, and a barrage of drums.  However,…it still has time to make sense in the context of the album it lives in, as the mid-section is a fantastic acoustic passage that flows in and out incredibly well.

“Hjärtesorg,” is one of my personal favorites of the album because of its undeniable energy.  The drums go a long way in building and releasing tension for the song and the guitars play off this rhythmic foundation very nicely.  It has plenty of fast moments were the music rushes through like the North winds but it’s still introspective enough that it makes sense in the scope of the album as a whole. 

The final song is the title track, and it is what one of the very best songs the project has birthed.  The acoustic intro is immediately gripping and the buildup to the blackened elements is engrossing.  It’s heavy and subtle all at the same time, which is how the riffs are as well.  The guitars ebb and flow with their notes, balancing the heavy and the heartfelt without losing an iota of intensity.  Around the 7-minute mark, the beauty and the beast collide with clean and distorted soundscapes crashing against each other.  It’s something to behold. 

Lindgren continues to make Tårfödd better and better and over the years it has grown to become one of my favorite black metal bands in the modern scene.  It is possible for this genre to step outside its confines without losing its identity.  “En Känsla Av Hopplöshet,” does this while wearing its heart on its sleeve but raw, dark way that doesn’t betray the honesty and purity of an album like this. 

Rating: Great