ALBUM REVIEW: Vanhelgd – Atropos Doctrina

Swedish Death Metallers Vanhelgd have a history of blending the more traditional and old school with a certain unique flare that sets them apart. The sixth album in their impressive career is now due for release via Dark Descent Records on July 12th.

Rather than wasting time on an introduction, Vanhelgd kick right in with sweeping atmospherics that launch the extreme assault into life with no mercy. The churning guitars and balanced percussion meet melodic leads and impassioned vocals to deliver a savage but introspective first offering. Their unique balance of sounds combine a hauntingly evil ambience but with the utilisation of superb musicianship to conjure a sepulchral entity while being directly visceral with their playing. The way in which the rhythms and leads play off of each other with the vocals maliciously reaping atop the cascades of barbarity is sublime. Equally well approached is the drumming, which utilises the full kit and varying dynamics which are far more interesting than a constant blast. Rolling like a juggernaut of death, the morbid ensemble is truly vicious and starts things off gloriously.

Interestingly, as a Swedish band they do not seem to favour their own countries form of Death Metal. Instead drawing more from the Finnish bands like Amorphis, Convulse and Sentenced with their more spectral sense of melody. Those enchanting leads especially seem to follow in that vein. There is, however, a certain brutality to their music which may be subtle but likely comes from bands like Gorement and Dismember. The way this record is assembled definitely feels new to the ears but similarly draws influences from an older time. Part of that is the production, which feels more like that of a Black Metal album in some respects such as the way the guitars and bass are woven together only to separate for further impact at points. This accentuates the strong sense of dread and builds a lot of tension, something Vanhelgd has clearly mastered. A gorgeous vision that feels luminescent despite being woven from the darkest threads.

It seems Vanhelgd are leaning more into the gloomy blackened atmospherics while their harrowing Death Metal remains impactful as ever. This is a dark record, but one filled with melody and chilling touches that don’t feel contrived at all. As one of those bands who have a bit more than pure old school worship, there are some who will adore and some who will loathe this album. Regardless, the band have clearly followed their own strong vision to its logical next step and “Atropos Doctrina” sits triumphant in their impressive discography. While “Deimos Sanktuarium” will likely remain my personal favourite by the band, preferences aside; this is still a killer follow-up of an album that was not easy to chase. Six years in the making and album six is definitely worth the wait.