I Between Two Worlds

Tracklist:
1. The Storm I Ride
2. Warriors
3. Between Two Worlds
4. Battalions
5. Mountains
6. Days Of North Winds
7. Far Beyond The Quiet
8. Cursed We Are

Release Date: 2006

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I is the quaintly named project of Immortal frontman Abbath, formed two years after Immortal had split. Although described as a supergroup for consisting members of Gorgoroth (TC King, aka King ov Hell, King) and Enslaved (Ice Dale, aka Arve Isdal), it must be noted that Abbath is very much in charge of the musical direction here. Other Immortal links come in the form of former drummer, Armaggeda, and former guitarist and current lyricist, Demonaz, who provided the lyrics (the latter also came up with the name of the band). For their first album, Between Two Worlds, Abbath draws from the roots of classic metal and applies a black metal touch, resulting in a dynamic affair.

The selling point of the group and album is the cross over between black metal and heavy metal. In one corner, we have Abbath's famed raw vocals, and the shrieking guitar tones that characterise the black metal genre. In the other corner, standard heavy metal rhythms, semi-audible bass and more traditional metal drumming stand their ground. Riffs that propel the music are plentiful, providing strong opportunities for headbanging enthusiasts to show off their wares. Comparisons with classic heavy metal groups are very possible. There are Dio and Manowar moments, and Abbath's singing is reminiscent of Motorhead singer Lemmy's gruff half talking/half singing style. Shredtastic guitar solos are where you would predict them to be, and the extremities of black metal drumming are nowhere to be found.

Unfortunately, the combination is not as spectacular as one might expect it to be and for several reasons. Or more so, the execution of the group is not at it's full potential. The main concern is of Abbath's vocals. Case in study: on the track "Between Two Worlds", what should be a typical vocal ascent to a climax is hampered by Abbath's vocals which simply are not capable of great range, especially while maintaining the growl. One thing that I missed about Immortal-mode Abbath is the ferocity and grimness supporting the lyrics and overall feel of the music. As a result, you begin to hear the singer in the vocals, rather than the warrior telling his tale. It may very well be an issue of the tempo of the songs here not suiting his strengths, as the only two tracks that I felt Abbath provides this aura on are the faster tracks, "Battalions" and "Cursed we Are" (perhaps unsurprisingly, these two tracks could pass for Immortal works).

Another grievance I found in Between Two Worlds is that it is all too aimless. In absence of a grim black metal ethic, the listener is asked to tap into the old school metal vibe, but even that is lacking in essence - there is no attitude to feed upon. Demonaz's lyrics paint epic scenery, but without the support of harsh riffs and furious blast beating, the Northern realm doesn't seem so grand after all. Even after having given the album a numerous amount of listens, there are no memorable tunes to recall. Abbath and company seem to have developed the album on the unique mashup of genres alone, because there is not much else substance to draw upon.

The positive substances that exist tends to come in moments. The guitar solos closing out "Warriors" suit the song appropriately and provide a satisfying touch. TC King's bass work is generally positive, particularly shining with his fills on "Battalions" which are a very nice (and welcome) blast from the past. A tribute to the late Quorthon, "Far Beyond the Quiet" sounds very much like a Bathory track, with Demonaz having also written the lyrics with Bathory's style in mind. "Cursed We Are" is probably the highlight of the album for me, with music and vocals both in sync in achieving a riveting energy, its chorus the main selling point: "There's no essence! No future!". One has the feeling that I's music would best benefit in a live concert environment stage, with the aid of visual effects and a lively audience singing along.

Just as it is between two genres, Between Two Worlds is also directly between the poles of good and bad. The music won't blow you away, but nor will you be disgusted or bored by it. The novelty of the sound may be enough to appeal to the curious explorer. Ultimately, the album is a case of potential that has not been fully tapped into. Abbath could play more to his strengths, the music could be more creative and most importantly, there needs to be more energy. Hopefully, should I regroup to work on a second album, we will see a positive progression in their development.