Veneration – “Thy Infernal” (2020)

Well, I have always been a supporter of innovation, and when it comes to Black Metal, even more. So much can be done, so much can be crafted if one puts their mind to it. But then, we all have these moments when you sort of feel this sense of longing and nostalgia, and you go back to the beginning, back to roots of the genre.

“Thy Infernal” is a 5 song EP, the first released by one man band Veneration, out by Polish label, Fallen Temple

YF, the sole member of Veneration is one of those musicians that, in a way, still lives in the Past, still replicates what musicians like Cronos and Quorthon – first incarnation – created! It holds that raw feeling to its Music, to its approach to Black Metal. It has a Nordic side to it, an essence for Norwegian Black Metal in the way the guitar riffs are stripped of useless, unnecessary artifices. Cutting guitar riffs! The vocals are the right amount of insane for it to work perfectly. You will find Thrash Metal, Black Metal; it will appeal to all Black Metal fans that refuse to accept that innovation is a real word and to all those that never turned their backs on the forefathers of the genre! It is also, in a more subtle way, an ode to Asian 90s Black Metal… the right quantity of Old School and craziness. Sounds about right to me!

Brace yourselves, for this little 5 song EP will leave its mark on the Worldwide (Old School) Black Metal scene!

Veneration - "Thy Infernal" (EP 2020)

Vermisst – “Zmierz Stalowej Ciemności” (2020)

And the journey continues. Dark and Menacing brises surrond our fragile human existence, carrying us into a neverending void of Despair and Death. From Poland, with hate! Exquisite, I dare say. Right from the top, from the 1^st second you press play, this mates take you down a ride, you will most definitely regret… or cherish for the rest of your futile existence.

Nonetheless, it encloses this peculiar melody, hidden away behind a “noisy” wall of sound. It is gently tucked away, like a fragile figure, in need of a safe place, that releases all its wrath in very precise moments. The use of synths add so many layers, so much richness to the band’s sound. Like a medieval ambient, like a dungeon, that is the feeling that pours out of every note, of every guitar riff. This is a very special Black Metal release, as childish as this comment might sound. It embodies that sonic aesthetic one treasures so much. Raw, yet it is sounds perfect; this warm, embracing melody… that pierces through your being, leaving you scattered on the floor.

Polish. Amazing release, just amazing.

Vermisst - "Czas Chtonicznej Zemsty" (taken from “Zmierz Stalowej Ciemności”)

Vonülfsrëich – “Hyperborëan Hills” (2020)

Black Metal, straightforward Black Metal. Quite simple, in fact. Fast, no puzzling riffs or overall complex structures, harsh vocals, a Punk posture, and there you go! This sounds very similar to 90s Eastern Europe Black Metal, no?! The vocals remind me of Master’s Hammer, and some freakish structure, perhaps. It has Norway, as well. It has Thrash, but elegantly placed. Never overshadowing the Black Metal core of the music, the musicians carry on with their craft, adding layers and layers of Heavy Extreme Metal, shaping a Beast that stands on its own.

This is their 4^th release since they assembled the war machine back in 2019. After 2 Demos and 1 Split, this first EP will catapult them! It’s Black Fucking Metal provided by these Finns! Destruction and Ravaging Beasts!

Vonülfsrëich - "Vonülfsrëich" (taken from “Hyperborëan Hills”)

Ruho – “The Devout Thrum” (2020)

And it seems that our journey through Finish icy lands, continues. This time, in a more atmospheric way, but not less aggressive and rough. I am very keen on Atmospheric Black Metal. The likes of Wolves in the Throne Room or Drudhk are amongst my favourites, ever. The way the shape their sound, are no other, is an exquisite and marvellous creation.

These Finns, Ruho, are following – consciously or not – the path laid by the aforementioned bands, adding layers of rawness to an “old and rusty” ambiance. 4 lengthy tracks serve us, the listener, with moments of relentless Black Metal. Once again, it is quite unpretentious. Tunes that remind me of my small town in the North, on a rainy day, the solitude that is overwhelming and breath taking.

A tireless drum work, everlasting, lashing and tireless. It’s Finland, with a pinch of Eastern Europe, from my perspective. It’s about forests and rainy nights. It is classic Black Metal that will resonate on our minds, for long. An album that asks for multiple listening, attentive listening. A powerful release from a band that has been around since 2009, release multiple Demos, Eps, Splits and only 1 Full-length prior to this one. An album worthy of everyone’s time.

Ruho - "The Devout Thrum" (2019)

Fallen Temple