The band’s first full-length arrived just two years after they formed, with “Algiz + Berkanan” landing in 2009, and they’ve come back pretty regularly since then, with their last one, “V.,” coming three years ago on Napalm. Both members have played as part of the live ensemble in the past, but now they’re a part of the solidified group. David Csicsely (drums, vocals, guitars) and Clayton Cushman (guitars, vocals, bass, and keyboard) have been the driving force of the band for their entire run, but in 2016 Justin Siegler joined up on guitar, and David Borrusch took over bass duties. The Flight of Sleipnir started off as a duo and remained that way until just last year. Or shit, just listen to the Flight of Sleipnir because they’re an awesome band that keeps getting better with the ages. So, there’s a good chance there will be serious crossover appeal. FoS do not sound like those bands, but they operate in a similar headspace. Their latest album, the rushing “Skadi,” is another heavy dose of Norse-inspired lore (after all, the record is named after a Norse goddess and hunter who lives in the mountains where snow never ends, and she adorns the cover) and stirring music that not only should please those who have been along for this band’s raucous ride, but it should turn on newcomers who are down with groups such as Panopticon, Enslaved, Agalloch, Obsequiae, and others. Their mix of doom, psychedelics, and black metal are blended so well, and with their unique personality, I find the band ridiculously listenable. That’s a shame, because for the past decade and over the course of six records, the Colorado-based band have done nothing but turn out good music.
Not that people aren’t necessarily sweet on said music, but these bands don’t carry with them the ridiculous word of mouth than can turn a group from nobody to the greatest thing on the planet in 24 hours.įor all their time as a band, The Flight of Sleipnir never have been a recipient of a massive furor pushing people to their records. Bands come along now and then that I can’t believe more people aren’t into.