Soerd from Estonia began their journey in 2021 with the demo Hel, followed two years later by the highly entertaining EP Mil Laaned Vaikivad. And now, via the Portuguese label Signal Rex, comes a full-length album, Keldrikojast, which translates to “From the Cellar.” By the way, the name Soerd means “Filthy,” and they hit the nail on the head with that, because filthy is exactly how it sounds.
After the instrumental opener Pt 1. Eeslugu (Vaikinud), we’re immediately faced with a dilemma—where is Part 2? Not on this album. But that doesn’t spoil the fun, because Igavikke Jäädes kicks things off with full force. An unrelenting wave of Finnish-sounding Black Metal washes over you, briefly interrupted by a soundscape before continuing at mid-tempo. The vocals range from screams to dramatic clean singing, adding plenty of variety.
With the track Kolumatsuri, Soerd clearly draws influence from the ’90s—it feels a bit like old Satyricon before they started feeling like K.I.N.G.. Laced with excellent screams as well as clean vocals, this is definitely one of my highlights on the album.
Besides the aforementioned old Satyricon, I also hear influences from the more pagan/viking scene—bands like Moonsorrow or Helheim come to mind in certain sections. But with a rawer, more intense edge. After the short instrumental Interluudium, this influence is especially noticeable in the dramatic Pisaratïas Puskarit.
To close things off, we descend into the cellar accompanied by a bit of piano. And just like that, it’s over.
As far as I’m concerned, Soerd has delivered a pretty awesome album with Keldrikojast, and this one is definitely making it into my collection.
85/100
Soerd:
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Signal Rex:
Bandcamp