GOLDEN CORE

Fimbultýr fysisk format

Oslo’s youthful riff-wielders make an offering to the gods

After some lumpily underwhelming beginnings this duo seem well on their way to becoming something rather special as they hurtle towards their own personal Ragnarok. Golden Core’s rune-strewn metal draws on ancient Norse poetry for lyrical inspiration, but musically they’re far more direct; huge chunks of slate-grey riff are hammered and hewn before being combined with ever-flowing grooves, ultimately forming a craggy volcanic landscape fit for the battles of giants, trolls and warlike, one-eyed gods. If the fluid, undulating riffcraft immediately brings to mind High On Fire, then further investigation suggests the weird worldview and awkward inclinations of mid-period Årabrot – an excellent combination that’s both immediately gratifying and worthy of deep, detailed exploration. ■■■■■■■■■■

FOR FANS OF: Årabrot,

Iron Age, Mantar

ALEX DELLER