Djerv - Headstone
CD Info
2010
Self Released
3 Tracks
English Lyrics
Djerv is a new band from Norway, born out of the ashes of bands that have broken up previously. The band is made up of Agnete Kjølsrud (ex-Animal Alpha), Erlend Gjerde (ex-Stonegard), and Stian Kårstad (Trelldom), recently completed with a full live lineup. They are currently working on their debut album, but have decided, meanwhile, to release a short EP to give the world a taste of what is to come and possibly to sway record labels into signing the band.
The band certainly has a unique sound, combining elements from their former bands all into one. It’s got the eccentricity and personality of Animal Alpha, the black metal elements of Trelldom, and the rock and metal influence of Stonegard, along with whatever other things the band decided to throw into their sound. Agnete Kjølsrud certainly shines through as a one-of-a-kind vocalist. If you heard her while she was still in Animal Alpha, you will know just how versatile her vocals are, and a good number of those styles are used on this release. Although she doesn’t seem to explore her full potential, one must remember that a three song EP is hardly enough time to show someone everything you’ve got. Hopefully the future album will show her full versatility.
Put those vocals over a bed of crunchy guitars, catchy hooks, and bouncy riffs, and you have one hell of a sound. It’s evident from the first few bars of "Headstone" that this is music that is not only cleverly written, but also something that made to rock out to and to get you moving. The other two tracks, "Ladder to the Moon" and "Immortal" are similar in that sense, although they’re different enough to keep you entertained and wanting more by the end.
I’m curious to see what else this band can come up with. I have high hopes for the debut album, which is supposedly due out sometime in the spring of 2011. As this release is basically a demo, I don’t think I can really assign a rating to it like I would for a proper album. However, all three tracks on this release are fantastic, and two of the songs are available for your hearing pleasure on the band’s myspace page