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