Með hamri

The Artist

Hailing from Reykjavík, the black metal band Misþyrming has established itself as one of the most formidable forces in the modern Icelandic underground. Spearheaded by multi-instrumentalist and producer D.G., the group is defined by a sound that marries chaotic, dissonant atmospheres with triumphant, driving melodies and sheer physical power. Since their striking 2015 debut, they have avoided the typical pitfalls of atmospheric black metal by prioritizing a muscular, rhythmically urgent delivery. Their third full-length album, Með hamri, represents a deliberate step backward from the polished, rock-infused textures of their sophomore effort and a plunge into a much more primitive, confrontational realm of sonic violence.

The Album

Released in December 2022 through the renowned underground label Norma Evangelium Diaboli, Með hamri was entirely produced, engineered, and mixed by D.G. in the band's native Iceland. Rejecting the highly polished production trends of contemporary extreme metal, the band opted for a raw, rehearsal-room aesthetic that captures the visceral energy of a live performance. This record features the studio debut of drummer H.R.H., whose relentless, organic percussion guides the band's shifts between soaring tremolo passages and heavy, mid-tempo grooves. Thematically, the album explores concepts of absolute ruthlessness, pride, and execution—translating to a sonic assault that is as intellectually cold as it is physically punishing.

Listen For

Sonic Grit. Listen to the deliberately unpolished, cavernous guitar tone that dominates the opening title track, "Með hamri". This production choice eschews modern digital precision in favor of a filthy, analog-heavy wall of sound that feels both dangerous and immediate.

Percussive Drive. Pay attention to the performance of drummer H.R.H. on "Engin vorkunn", where his organic, un-triggered snare rolls and powerful double-bass drumming inject a human, physical urgency into the song's rhythmic shifts.

Structural Tension. Contrast the relentless blasting speed of the early tracks with the sprawling, atmospheric structure of the closing track, "Aftaka". The band builds tension over its extended runtime, shifting from a slow-burning march into an explosive, triumphant finale.

Vocal Ferocity. Notice the vocal delivery on "Með harmi", where D.G. employs a deep, throat-shredding roar that sits perfectly balanced within the mix, conveying desperate anguish rather than mere theatrical aggression.

Thematic Ruthlessness. The lyrics across "Engin miskunn" and "Blóðhefnd" paint a bleak portrait of vengeance and mercilessness. These songs forgo standard occult cliches to focus on raw, confrontational themes of human cruelty and unforgiving pride.