Review by Jeger on May 24, 2026.

The now-notorious Icelandic Black Metal scene is a movement that is every bit as prestigious as it is aggressive. Having spawned the likes of Misþyrming, Sinmara, Auðn and Forsmán and considering each band's very own genre-defining attributes, it is arguably safe to say that the Icelandic school of BM is the most important right now alongside the Ukrainian and the grossly overlooked Hungarian scene. Many of Iceland's Black Metal collectives are steeped in mystery. No one is 100% on just what this conglomerate represents. It's not as easy to pinpoint as the Occult-inspired Swedish scene or the heavily Satanic Finnish scene. But one thing remains starkly clear and that is the impact that these bands - Misþyrming in particular - have had as of late. So, pour the Brennivin! Wonder where all the ice went and prepare for a sojourn with the above-mentioned Forsmán, and a listen to their forthcoming debut LP, "Brenndar Rústir & Fuðrandi Fjörur" - set for a June 26 release via Metal Blade / Vesperian GmbH.

Judging by the title of the album, it appears they we have a concept record. What the concept pertains to is anyone's guess, but the atmosphere, the musical environment in which we have now plunged into tells a clearer story; one of urgency and horror, of rage and desperation as tracks like the malevolent opener, "Drottinn Fyrirgefur Allt" and its equally-as-violent follower, "Svartir Svanir" are unleashed to crushingly heavy tones: down-tuned riffing, mammoth rhythms and bass-hefty death-growls.

Somewhere along the perimeter of where genuine suffering borders Black Metal is where you'll discover "Brenndar Rústir & Fuðrandi Fjörur". Expect to take in a most unnerving experience; unpredictable like masked torture and every bit as deadly. Shades of Horna, shades of Acherontas and this overall sense that something terrible is about to happen… Panic attack, anyone? But in the best way imaginable. The level of passion and the intensity of the music's energy are both indicative of the reality that Forsmán are riding some inertia-inducing momentum into a very dignified future.

Every track thus far has been an exhaustive affair and "Valðnidsla" could be the exception. Dialing down the tempo and dragging us through suffocating soundscapes that feel like drowning before it's back into the vortex: racing, plowing and Panzering our way through perilous compositional gauntlets at dangerous speeds, all the while as manic vocals create a neurotic vibe. Accessibility has not been the game here until now. Marginally rhythmic and mid-tempo'd during its most important parts is "Kynjamyndir". Still plenty of rage. Still lots of what sometimes feels like pure shock.

This isn't something that we listen to for pleasure or entertainment. This is one of those Black Metal albums that we'll probably never listen to again and it won't be because we didn't enjoy it. It will be because it's not easy to absorb such madness. Some parts of "Brenndar Rústir & Fuðrandi Fjörur" are heavily taxing in ways like intoxication, like being drugged and having little control over where you're going or what is happening. A victim now to its cunning and animosity. But damn does it feel sweet at the same time…

Everything checks out: cover art done by the renowned Paolo Girardi, stellar production quality, primal energy and some serious chops on behalf of all persons involved. Another triumph for the Icelandic scene? I would say that Forsmán, with their debut LP, have made a name for themselves as a band to definitely keep an eye and an ear on. Primal yet nuanced and heavy yet swift, "Brenndar Rústir & Fuðrandi Fjörur" is an album that is destined to make itself felt on multiple fronts. Here's to Iceland! Here's to true Icelandic Black Metal…

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Brian on January 2, 2015.

I always love when I receive something in my promo pack that doesn't say "old school death metal", "atmospheric black metal" or "heavy doom like (list bands that everyone loves)". I have become very picky over the past several years on what I let into my listening world. I have become fed up with the hundreds of clone bands, playing the above mentioned styles, but without the execution or creativity of those that came before them. So, when I came across Deadly Scenes by 6:33 and it had key words (Paris, avant garde, Mike Patton, Devin Townsend and Tim Burton) I became instantly intrigued.

Upon first listen I was toe tapping and head bobbing, this largely due to the excellent musicianship and catchiness of the songs. These songs will draw you in and are well crafted. However, that's where it stopped with me. When I listened again, not that I didn't notice it the first time, I realized what I had in my possession was the ultimate clone band. Deadly Scenes could be the transition album between the Mr. Bungle self titled release and California if Disco Volante never existed. This doesn't just resemble Bungle, it blatantly rips them off. Everything from the start and stop riffs, the intense genre jumping and most of all vocalist Rorschach doing his best Mike Patton impression. Even the song titles "Ego Fandango" and "I'm a Nerd" reek of Mr. Bungle.

With that being said, there are some great moments contained on Deadly Scenes. Opening track "Hellalujah" is fun song, opening with a choir singing "Lord Jesus" shows where the band is coming from and it's sense of humor. One of the the heavier tracks "I'm a Nerd" will draw in the more extreme metal audience, while "Last Bullet for a Golden Rattle" shows that the band can do it's own thing. I really wish they would have wrote more songs like "Last Bullet for a Golden Rattle", but in the end what 6:33 gives you on Deadly Scenes is a carbon copy of what Mr. Bungle did better 15 to 20 years earlier.

Deadly Scenes isn't a horrible listen and if you crave more Mike Patton music that isn't Mike Patton then you will enjoy this. The musicians are top notch and the execution is near flawless. This would have scored way higher with me if they had any original ideas. 6:33 shows promise based on their ability as musicians to be something special, let's just hope they find their own style on future releases.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10