A highly anticipated debut album has finally arrived from Finnish Black Metal horde THE TRUE WEREWOLF. Taking the work of Satanic Warmaster into a medieval new realm, this should be something truly special.
Haunting synths and grisly guitars immediately open a huge soundscape of majestic atmospherics with blasting drums and crashing cymbals hitting like a tidal wave amidst the ferocious assault. Howling vocals also join rather quickly to complete the raw bombardment of savage Black Metal brilliance. Along with the insanely aggressive onslaughts and melancholic melodies we all know from Satanic Warmaster, there definitely a more ambient touch but also some really killer grooves, permeated from the somewhat upbeat drums in certain sections that really add something unique to the already fantastic and vicious instrumental work.
Although harshly abrasive, there is a catchiness that the Finnish have always been skilled at, making for a memorable listen, this is certainly present on this blistering inferno of ritualistic, medieval mastery. As I delve further into the record, there is an apparent beauty in the more sombre parts of the songwriting that is executed gorgeously and works in a marvellous fashion to contrast the ravaging cold of the main riffing madness. The mixture of barbaric, savage blasting and tremolo riffs is utterly fierce and magnificently written with so much great instrumental work backing up the slew of screamed vocal madness to keep the record fresh and volatile throughout.
The minimalist synths add to the medieval ambience of the album but never feel like an overlayed element or something that is just used to fill out space, their minimal use is enhancing to the riveting Black Metal, exactly the way things should be. Closing the album with some sleazy Speed Metal with a blackened touch was a genius move after such ferocity and near tranquil ambience the ending simply belts out classic Heavy Metal majestically before abruptly ending. Captivating, primal and energetic, this is what the true Black Metal spirit of Finland sounds like, that sound is something totally astounding and piercingly cold.
Spectral, mystical, haunting and fierce with a gorgeously rich blend of sharp Black Metal aggression and captivating synth work. Do not let this blizzard of atmospheric brilliance and occult ritual conjurations pass you by, for it is a monumental, slicing piece of catastrophically dark art. -8/10
Discover more from NATTSKOG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.