Album highlight What Was She Wearing? points its crosshairs at the objectification of women in society, something Svalbard have protested throughout their tenure. Inspired by the backlash Labour MP Tracy Brabin faced for wearing an off-shoulder-dress (Shock! Horror!), its minimal instrumentation with jangling guitars form the backdrop for a more serene opening, before careening into blackgaze wonderment raging against the judgement of women based on their appearance. And it’s in moments like this that Svalbard’s dual-vocal attack of Serena and fellow guitarist Liam Phelan really connects, adding another dimension to one of the band’s core messages, reiterated on sister track The Currency Of Beauty, as he roars ‘Stop measuring them on such shallow terms’. Because, lads, what any woman chooses to wear is none of your fucking business.
Closing on the shortest track Pearlescent calls to mind previous album closer Iorek, as the big, swooping, clean ending offers a counteracting hopeful sound after plunging the depths of shitty humans. Whether we continue to see Svalbard move into this more post-black metal sound remains to be seen, and while it’s still a little rough around the edges, this uncut gem could become a diamond one day.
Verdict: 4/5
For Fans Of: Oathbreaker, Alcest, Deafheaven
When I Die, Will I Get Better? is out now via Church Road.
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