“The Runes Are Cast” are the very words we have been seeing from mysterious new project RUNEREADER. He is due to release his debut EP Forn Siðr – En Ny Början and the common phrase I find myself saying is this: when listing these influences in one sentence, you think it won’t work; but RUNEREADER somehow makes it possible. It’s difficult to explain this in detail without giving too much away but I will give it a try.On Your Battered Altar and The Rising North were released as singles; given the contrast between the two of these, it gives you an idea of the eclectic mesh of sounds RUNEREADER puts together. On Your Battered Altar brings retro 8-bit video game sounds to the surface alongside dubstep, whereas The Rising North is more atmospheric. What these both have in common, and what ties the sound together, is a combination of ’80s music and black metal.
On Your Battered Altar and The Rising North were released as singles; given the contrast between the two of these, it gives you an idea of the eclectic mesh of sounds RUNEREADER puts together. On Your Battered Altar brings retro 8-bit video game sounds to the surface alongside dubstep, whereas The Rising North is more atmospheric. What these both have in common, and what ties the sound together, is a combination of ’80s music and black metal.
These influences can also be found in the rest of the tracks on the EP; a couple of strong examples include Those Who Dared To Fail and More To Life – Production Line III.
If 2 UNLIMITED wrote Viking metal songs, Those Who Dared To Fail will give you a rough idea of what that would sound like. This is down to the Viking-like chants alongside ’80s-sounding synthesisers. More To Life – Production Line III is the ballad of the EP by default. It’s a beautiful one and a stunning way to end the record. It features the talented Marco Pastorino (TEMPERANCE/SERENITY/FALLEN SANCTUARY) on guest vocals. This is the perfect backing for the reflective lyrics.
When writing my notes about this EP, an array of different music sources came up, from AMON AMARTH to THE HUMAN LEAGUE. I can imagine upon reading this you are wondering to yourself how RUNEREADER makes these work. It’s up to you to listen and find out – don’t take my word for it. If this review has left you mildly curious, keep your eyes and ears peeled. RUNEREADER is an artist who will keep you on your toes.
Rating: 7/10
Words: Lotty Whittingham
Forn Siðr – En Ny Början will be unleashed this Friday.
