| Demo review: Sorg Uten Tårer - Black Panther Metal |
| Self-released, 2007 | Review published: 2007/11/10 |
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 Sorg Uten Tårer means, “Sorrow without Tears” in Norwegian, and is a relatively unknown one-man melodic black metal band. On top of that, it’s a really good one as well, and deserves much more recognition than it gets. Black Panther Metal was released (as all the other demos were) for free, in 2007.
First thing I noticed about this demo is that it is influenced by RA Salvatore. Look at the cover art, and you will see no other than Guenhwyvar, Drizzt’ Do Urden’s loyal pet panther. It’s pretty clear that it is taken directly from one of the book covers, because you can also seem part of Drizzt’s boot in it. On top of that, the song Black Panther Metal, seems to be based entirely on Drizzt and Guenhwyvar. On a more minor note, the song “Bleak” starts off with a wind sound effect, which in no doubt whatsoever is taken from one of The Icewind Dale video games. RA Salvatore didn’t have anything to do with these games persay, but he is well known as the author that uses Icewind Dale in his novels. In my opinion, probably the best at using this bleak harsh land in the novels as well.
Slightly on a different scale, the song “At the Gray Havens” is written by J.R.R. Tolkien. To anyone who has read the books, or even seen the movies, it will be obvious that this song was taken directly from the books. In fact, rather than just being infuenced by the poem by J.R.R. Tolkien, the lyrics actually are the poem. And, it sounds absolutely splendid!
Well, I am pretty much done speaking about influences, there’s probably a bit more in there, but these are the most important I think. So let’s get on to the rest of the demo.
Another thing I really liked about this demo is that it evoked emotions. Any good music does it, and being able to create emotions is the skill of a well talented musician. For example the song “Remember (In War and Death)” starts off sadly and slowly, it has very mellow lyrics and the instruments reflect that the whole way through. Apart the ending again has very slow melodical lyrics. However, the mood is maintained by the next song “Eve” which has few vocals, and mostly instruments well, just sound plain sad. These two songs are excellent examples of the skill of this guy.
Another thing I would want to talk about is that this demo is definitely much more than the sum of it’s parts. If I were to talk to you hear and tell you about how the guitars sound and the drums etc, you certainly wouldn’t get it that this is an excellent listen. Yes, the guitars are just ok, sad during the songs and they do have a few good solos, the vocals are well excellent, and the drumming, eh, you don’t notice it too much. However, when you put the specific qualities together, you get an amazing mix of skill, talent, and someone wanting to create great music.
Finally, I think I want to talk about the song, “At the Gray Havens”. This, I believe , is the peak of the demo. It is also the last song before the outro. The guitars fade in at first and the vocals are harsh immediately, they sound splendid, sounding as painful as any black metal should. Towards the middle of the songs, a clean voice sings along with the harsh one, “Farwell to Middle Earth at last!” this happens occasionally throughout the entire demo, but this really sounded great. Just like the song and poem, it has a forlorn feeling that is mixed with some peace from the clean voices. A magnificent song.
My last words? Go out and download this now. All of the demos are available free at the bands Myspace. This demo has something for everyone, and it deserves far more recognition than it gets. Even if you are not a big fan of melodic black metal, I still invite you take a listen, because, heck, it’s free, and not to mention, absolutely superb. Just about the greatest free listen I have ever had. Happy listening!
Patrick Burent
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01. Intro
02. The Demonologist
03. Black Panther Metal
04. Remember (In War and Death)
05. Eve
06. Bleak
07. At The Grey Havens
08. Outro
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 Read also: Sorg Uten Tårer - Grave Songs, Sorg Uten Tårer - Interview - Retribution
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