Review: “Förbannelser” by Gast

Following the departure of former ex-In Contempt vocalist Johan Fröjd from the ranks of Swedish Black Metal act Gast (“Ghost” or “Poltergeist“) in 2024 many wondered how a follow up to 2019’s well received debut album “Mörkret kallar” (or “The Darkness Calls“) would even be possible. However the remaining trio of musicians, bassist Mikaela Åkesson, drummer Joel Axelsson and guitarist Fredrik Lundell, who are all currently part of Death Metal force Asylium, had something malevolent in mind. They recruited Kollapsed vocalist Kristoffer Karlsson in order to maintain perpetual forward motion, inking a deal in blood with Horror Pain Gore Death Productions for EP “Förbannelser” (or “Curses“). They’re calling it an exploration of death, decay, greed, nightmares and the end of humanity.

Known for channelling the cold, dark essence of Scandinavian landscapes through Black Metal the quartet begin this journey down the left hand path with “Köttet” (or “The Meat“). As with their previous record the opening cut combines classic raw intensity with eerie, haunting melodies, Axelsson’s restless and relentless percussive battery an artillery shelling for lethal intent. You won’t need to speak Swedish to understand that Karlsson’s lyrics explore evil, madness and folklore either because his caustic, throat shredding performance tells you all you need to know. A venomous assault on the senses that’s very much in keeping with the bands sonic abrasions, he fills big shoes with consummate ease.

Åkesson introduces a funky bass line with “Hyllning till slutet” (or “Tribute To The End“) her implement of destruction acting as a second guitar in the mix on this creepy tune, enhancing the pounding rhythms and cavernous vocal performance perfectly. The band are very much aided and abetted by the raw nature of the recording itself which is very much in keeping with old school Black Metal records and adds a nostalgic quality for those who remember tape trading days of years gone by. What’s impressive about it is that it doesn’t take away any of the quality in the musicianship because you can hear every bass rumble and every cymbal crash perfectly.

As with all Gast compositions this record is a lean, mean, fighting machine that has very little if any fat that can be trimmed. There is no meandering soloing or extended instrumental passage but that doesn’t prevent them from creating dark and malevolent atmospheres “Girighetens näste” (or “The Den Of Greed“) being a fine example. A nightmarish melody that lingers in your mind like feedback after a show, it’s savage and subtle at the same time with depth, texture and some interesting nuance that you might only hear after multiple spins. You may also recognise a sphere of influence with these songs bringing works by Marduk, Necrophobic and even Profanatica to mind. “Mardrömslik” (or “Nightmarish“) has interesting rise and fall to it with the bass once more prominent in the mix to give it a funky yet ferocious sound, the hummable melody gloriously infectious. This feels like a new dawn of evil for Gast, long may that continue [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Köttet
2. Hyllning till slutet
3. Girighetens näste
4. Mardrömslik

“Förbannelser” by Gast is out 31st July 2026 via Horror Pain Gore Death Productions and is available over at bandcamp.