Twin Serpent True Norwegian Blackgrass Review

Twin Serpent

True Norwegian Blackgrass

Svart Records

2026

Ordinarily, I'd be one of the last people who would listen to, let alone recommend, a bluegrass album. Generally speaking, I find the genre slow, boring and doesn't provide me with the slightest bit of interest or excitement. BUT...when you have a band like Twin Serpent that injects darker and more raw emotion with copious amounts of influences ranging from black metal, crust punk, surf and psychobilly, you have something incredibly unique and deserving of a listen, even from the most discerning folks. The band's sophomore album, TRUE NORWEGIAN BLACKGRASS, brings something new to the table in that because they have that arsenal of influences at their disposal, you never know where you're going to start or land with any particular song. Kicking things off is "Space Heater", which finds a lot of its trajectory in punk and hardcore, but then bookends everything with subtle banjo, letting you know that they can incorporate their 'blackgrass' sensibilities anywhere. 

"Ain't Home No More" is a ballad that opens with a slow and plodding banjo riff, that is sung together by vocalists Timo Silvola and Hanna Fauske which emphasizes and carries the disappointment and heartache right to your doorstep. It's easily my favorite track on the album. "Freak Flag" showcases some of the band's best banjo work and even has moments where I can't help but feel the music could have come straight from a Ghoultown album with its southern atmosphere. All around, if you're looking for something out of the usual and enjoy a menagerie of influences that meld perfectly into a streamlined sound, this is it.

~TJ