Category: Also-Ran

The Diabolical Recipe of “Blodrøde Bølger” by Ildskær, a single serving appetizer track to be consumed before the upcoming EP.

Ingredients
Dry:
3 raspy demonic snarls (10+ seconds apiece)
1:40′ grated metallic ride cymbal
1 minute quantity of crushed snare drum
Wet:
tenderized guitar-only riffs, boiled for 46 seconds
1 full bottle of full-bodied red verses
dash of symphonic grandeur, to taste

1. Combine 1/3 tenderized riffs with first demonic snarl in cast-iron skillet over raging inferno. This is the base of the majestic, blackened dish.
2. Pour blood-red wine into skillet, allow to congeal, and add crushed snare cloves. Coarsely grate the metallic ride cymbal into the bubbling stew, stirring rapidly, to form a glaze over the eyes.
3. Tightly seal and let simmer for a few minutes, before incorporating higher-pitched riffs and shrieks to fuse ingredients together.
4. Introduce symphonic grandeur with slow-cooked snarls for final invoked garnish of evil.
5. Turn fire down and let continue to seethe, uninterrupted, for final 30 seconds. Remove from flames and serve immediately.

Video Instructions Below: Full EP released by Wolfspell Records due 3/22/2021.
Ildskær - Blodrøde Bølger (Track Premiere) - YouTube

Förmörkelse by Leviathan

The sophomore effort from Swedish project Leviathan feels vaguely flaccid, especially when compared to their 2002 debut blaster: Far Beyond the Light. Förmörkelse drags – and doesn’t have the engorged spirit of the former.

G.O.H.E by In Cauda Venenum

A challenging listen, In Cauda Venenum is to black metal what Tool is to heavy metal; it defies classification. G.O.H.E is merely two tracks long (20+ minutes each) but is compelling and creatively links segments together in novel time arrangements. The tea is not black enough for me, but the musicianship is second-to-none.

The Everlorn by Sinira

This is Dissection‘s fourth full length… oh, it isn’t? This was recorded in 2020? In Eastern Texas? The Everlorn is a carbon copy of the atmosphere of mid-90’s Dissection (The Somberlain), and maybe some of the riffs too. Although it is a truly beautiful and fantastic record, I’m waiting for the copyright lawsuits.

Zhymørkh by Gnaargakh

This demo (sub-15 minutes) from newer band, Gnaargakr, is slow, raw, and really enjoyable. Unfortunately, with a nearly 2 minute atmospheric introduction, there is not much to write about. Hopefully a longer record is in the future!

Wotankult by Ovader

On this album, folk-driven riffs are interspersed with arena metal power chords behind otherwise appropriately cold and inspired extreme metal vocals. These Bulgarians identify a niche blend of pagan lore and distorted production and exploit it, and certainly throw the expectant black metal listener for more than a few loops. Perplexing, but perhaps satisfying for those who appreciate a broader application of styles.

Zornvlouch by Youna

Faster than a speeding bullet, the debut full-length effort from one-man show Youna shoots the ears with a point-blank slug of rawness. Unfortunately, blast-beats drown out the majority of the creative riffs, and stagnant growls outshine the otherwise talented musicianship.

Tempête de Tourments by Verglas Sanglant

As frost-bitten as the northern wilderness from which these Canadians draw inspiration, Tempête de Tourments (Storm of Torment) vocalizes a tornado of blackened hatred and billows fiery, demonic riffs. Evil shrieks of bubbling sulfur pair with coldly calculated synth waves to vinify a sanguine tribute to hell. Verglas Sanglant (Bloody Ice) impresses with their debut EP, certainly warranting a listen.

05.2020 by Clavus

The second demo from mysterious Swiss group Clavus is just one song long, clocking in at just over 9 minutes. There is a lot to like here: terrifying background synth and wretched indistinguishable shrieks contribute to a mélange of musical madness. Hopefully a future release can expand on this idea.

Totuuden Polku by Deceiver Legion

Finnish group Deceiver Legion deliver a classic frostbitten black metal sound with enough surprises to warrant at least a second spin. Totuuden Polku is not carrying a load of innovation, but surprising injections of down-tuned riffs and excellent vocal performances by Wragnr help this train churn well beyond the station of mediocrity.

Horn by Mohngang

Despite tight and melodic instrumental work and seafaring vocals worthy of any drunken binge across the Rhine, Horn largely sounds like a folk band that stumbled upon Sabaton‘s recording studio. Horn is a satisfying listen, yet does not crush the soul with demonic hunger, and I struggle to call it black metal.