Aspera Hiems Symfonia

They’d get much weirder one year and one album hence, but quasi-supergroup Arcturus (which counted members of Ulver and Mayhem in their ranks here) swept onto the scene with one hell of a blast of icy wind. The thin production only serves to enhance the frostbitten atmosphere, making it feel like you’re listening to these Scandinavian stories through a blizzard. At times reminiscent of seventies Rush, an odd comparison for black metal indeed, the sheer musicianship on display makes this a key and underappreciated listen.