Svartsalt
Svartsalt
Formed in 2016 in the Faroe Islands, Svartsalt is a blackened death metal trio with a history forged in uncompromising music. With original vocalist and lyricist Groth at the helm, the band’s initial chapter saw them self-release their first EP in 2017. After a release concert that same year, the band went dormant, leaving their future uncertain.
In 2024, the band’s embers were reignited. At the encouragement of John Åge Frost from Necrolepsia, Svartsalt was added to a warm-up roster. This led to an unexpected turn: due to logistical challenges, guitarist Nirvargh took on the vocal duties, receiving screaming lessons to fulfill the band’s commitment. This new challenge ignited a creative fire, inspiring the band to produce their first full-length album with Nirvargh predominantly on vocals. Live, Groth continues to provide powerful vocal support, ensuring their sound remains as potent as ever.
Prior to the debut album, the band independently released two singles in 2024, “Veturin Kom” and “Kuldin Tagnar,” the latter of which was accompanied by a lyric video.
The band’s first full-length album, Upp Úr Dýpinum (Rising from the Deep), is a masterful fusion of post-black and blackened death metal performed entirely in the Faroese language. While many tracks are a scathing critique of societal issues, including fundamentalism, conformity, and injustice, the album also represents an inner search for integrity. It addresses personal themes of depression (“Kuldin Tagnar”), inner turmoil, and anxiety (“Innan Ódn,” “Angist”), reflecting the band’s journey from the metal underground as a group of underdogs. The album’s artwork is a gritty piece of aquerelle crafted by Bjartur F. Clementsen, marking his debut commissioned album artwork and fitting the music perfectly.
Svartsalt is comprised of guitarist and vocalist Nirvargh (John Ivar Venned), bassist Groth (Pól Nolsøe Jespersen), and drummer Killhelm (Martin Rói Vilhelmsen). They have been resurrected and are now poised to deliver a monumental body of work that honors their roots while pushing their sound and their message into deeper, more aggressive territory.
