Outside of maybe Ghost B.C. and/or Deafheaven, no heavy band’s sophomore album came into 2013 with more anticipation or conversation than Meir, from Norwegian black ‘n’ rollers Kvelertak. The album’s terrific first single, “Bruane Brenn,” only further stoked that excitement, but Meir more than delivered on its initial promise. Meir feels less anxious than the band’s self-titled 2010 debut, more confident (both were recorded with Convege guitarist Kurt Ballou). Again, Kvelertak blend their world of influences — black metal, D-beat hardcore, classic rock — but here, that blend feels more organic, and quite a bit more epic. Occasionally, that manifests itself in songs of expanded length — the album’s second half featured three consecutive tracks that exceed the six-minute mark — but more often than not, the band keep things compact, building upward, not outward. Album opener “Apenbaring” raises my pulse and sharpens my focus in much the same way Fucked Up’s “Son The Father” did on The Chemistry Of Common Life — it’s a gateway into a consciousness-altering experience, but just walking through that gateway is a hell of a ride. Much of Meir recalls Fucked Up, in fact. Like that band, Kvelertak bring together melody, speed, and volume in totally new and entrancing ways, producing a stunning display of fury and might, but something blissful and joyous, too. The album’s eponymous closing track is one of the catchiest songs of 2013; it offers an exit from the thrilling universe created by Meir, but it’s really an invitation to re-enter, to again get carried away, lost, delivered. –Michael [LISTEN]