ALBUM REVIEW: Fen - "Winter"

By: Daniel Jackson

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 10/03/2017
Label: Code666 Records

When this album is on fire, which is often, it’s absolutely some of the best atmospheric black metal you’ll hear this year. While the build to those big moments can be over-stretched, the payoff is absolutely worth the wait.  But even when accounting for its biggest flaw, I believe that ‘Winter’ will end up as one of the year's best albums. There’s simply too much fantastic material here to be denied.  

‘Winter’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. I (Pathway)

2. II (Penance)

3. III (Fear)

4. IV (Interment)

5. V (Death)

6. VI (Sight)

The Review:

I hate to start on a dour note for an album I really enjoy, but let’s get this out of the way: 75 minutes is too long for an album by any artist. That goes for my favorite bands of all time too. You can say that opinion owes to a lack of an attention span, or that I don’t respect the album format or whatever you’d like. But even a band like Enslaved, who work in a similar soundscape in balancing progressive and black metal components, generally keep their albums between 50 and 60 minutes. I would go so far as to say that there hasn’t ever been an album this long that wouldn’t be well-served by being made shorter.

With all of that said, while there is definitely some filler here, the majority of ‘Winter’ is made up of stunning, vital, and beautiful music. That the album is hurt slightly by its runtime shouldn’t dissuade you from giving it a fair shot as it does more than earn it. When this album is on fire, which is often, it’s absolutely some of the best atmospheric black metal you’ll hear this year. While the build to those big moments can be over-stretched, the payoff is absolutely worth the wait.

In what is something of a funny coincidence, the most well-paced song on the album may be the 17 minute opening track; the longest on the album. The longer build works here at the introduction, with reverb-drenched guitars building to beautiful clean guitar work and dreary but well-suited singing. Finally the song gets its first proper big moment as the guitars explode and the toms are pounded thunderously setting the tone for the next several minutes. Over time, the song ebbs and flows between heavy atmosphere, reserved and tasteful technical displays and bleaker delicate moments. ‘Winter’ is an album of emotional peaks and valleys, and Fen excels on both of those levels.

This brings us to another point worth exploring: Fen’s use of prog elements throughout the album. This is a difficult mix to pull off in an extreme metal context, or at least it’s difficult to do in an interesting way. All too frequently, bands will throw those elements into a song without considering the emotional tone of the rest of the music, which means there can be a major disconnect during those prog-centric moments. Fen does this better than anyone outside of maybe Enslaved on “Mardraum”, and even then it’s close. The band have such a firm sense of self and musical identity that their need to explore new sounds never comes at the cost of consistency.

While I do believe Fen have indulged themselves a bit too much here, and I believe the album would benefit from a harsher editing process, there’s no denying that Fen are at their absolute best on ‘Winter’. There is no such thing as a flawless album, and this one is no exception. But even when accounting for its biggest flaw, I believe that ‘Winter’ will end up as one of the year's best albums. There’s simply too much fantastic material here to be denied.

“Winter” is available on CD/LP copy here and digitally here

FFO: Agalloch, Alcest, Altar of Plagues, Drudkh

Band info: Facebook || bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Drudkh / Grift - “Betrayed By The Sun / Hägringar” (Split)

By: Conor O’Dea

Album Type: Split

Date Released: 16/09/2016

Label: Season of Mist |

Underground Activities

I cannot but recommend the album for fans of Drudkh. The Grift tracks are in no way bad, they just do not compare to the masterful first half of the collaboration.

“Betrayed By The Sun / Hägringar” DD//LP track listing:

Side A:

1). DRUDKH Його двадцять четверта весна (His Twenty-Fourth Spring)

2). DRUDKH Осінь в сепії (Autumn in Sepia)  

Side B:

3). GRIFT Källan (The Source)

4). GRIFT Cirkeln (The Circle)

The Review:

Splits are, by their very nature, a risky venture. Like any chimera or hybrid, you can end up with a monstrosity or abomination or something which is better than the sum of the parts. The best splits, ironically, are those that do not actually evoke the sense of being split; they form something cohesive and coherent. Recent examples would include joint efforts by Torrid Husk/End and the just-released Selvans/Downfall of Nur collaboration.  In a sense, this makes split albums a little bit tricky to review because the metrics become muddy: are we looking at a series of discrete tracks? Side A and Side B of a vinyl release? Or are we evaluating the album on how it sounds from beginning to end? With those disclaimers in mind, let's take a look at the collaboration by the legendary Drudkh and relative newcomer Grift.

First things first: there is little doubt to my mind that Drudkh is at the peak of their powers in this split. “His Twenty Fourth Spring” is probably my favourite track of theirs since 2006's “When the Flame Turns to Ashes”. Everything in both tracks delivers an intense, aggressive auditory experience with virtuoso performance and production. It is damn fine work and very promising for the next full-length after the somewhat disappointing “A Furrow Cut Short”. There is a sense of reinvigoration as opposed to reinvention here, as if Drudkh have found new blood for the wells from which they draw their music 

The following two tracks by Grift present an interesting but not necessarily good contrast to Drudkh. In isolation, these two tracks are competent, but are frankly not nearly as good as Erik's work on Syner, nor are they as compositionally compatible with the first half of the split. Raw production, shrieking vocals, slower, folk inflected rhythm and pace; all are jarringly set against the much smoother sounder Drudkh song. I am a fan of Grift, whom I see as having immense potential, but am not convinced that this paring served either band well. There is also the feeling of an excellent band putting out some of their best work to date set against some less-than-stellar material by a newer artist. 

These criticisms of the paring and some of its weaknesses aside, I cannot but recommend the album for fans of Drudkh. And to be fair: the Grift tracks are in no way bad, they just do not compare to the masterful first half of the collaboration. 

“Betrayed By The Sun / Hägringar” is available here

Band info: Drudkh: bandcamp || facebook || Grift: bandcamp || facebook

FFO: Burzum, Hate Forest, Arfsynd, Saiva

ALBUM REVIEW: Winterfylleth - “The Dark Hereafter”

By: Richard Maw
 
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 30/09/2016
Label: Candlelight Records |
Spinefarm Records

 

 

With only five tracks, the band have placed all their energy into creating an album of depth without any meandering. The real centrepiece of this album is “Green Cathedral”, though. Indeed it is as good a piece of music as you will hear this year.  “The Dark Hereafter” marks Winterfylleth's continuing trend of excellent albums, Superb and atmospheric stuff- savour it.

 

“The Dark Hereafter” CD//DD//LP track listing:

 

1). The Dark Hereafter
2). Pariah's Path
3). Ensigns of Victory
4). Green Cathedral
5). Led Astray in the Forest Dark

 

The Review:

 

Winterfylleth are certainly my favourite UK black metal outfit. They return here with an album that takes in both focused blasts of darkness and epic sprawling soundscapes. With only five tracks, the band has placed all their energy into creating an album of depth without any meandering. The band sticks to the task at hand and make every second count.

 

The rather ferocious opening title track recalls more Scandinavian outfits, while the familiar “Pariah's Path” is given an extra something here. Naturally, this being a Winterfylleth release, the record is best digested through headphones and whilst undertaking some kind of journey (preferably in an area of natural beauty) but it works fantastically as a mood piece played on my front room stereo and much like its predecessors it takes you on a  journey even if you don't set foot outside.

 

“Ensigns of Victory” is a stirring and triumphant sounding track, utilising time changes aplenty and a surprising dynamic range (not easy in BM). The real centrepiece of this album is “Green Cathedral”, though. As good a piece of music as you will hear this year and encapsulating all that is great about the band and all that is great about nature- while highlighting how it gets further away from many of us in our daily lives. The track is epic in scope and performance and it crystallises the bands raison d'etre beautifully. It shifts sounds and moods to great effect and is a perfect soundtrack to the coming changing seasons.

 

“Led Astray in the Forest Dark”  (a cover of Ulver's "Capitel I: I Troldskog Faren Vild") closes this impressive set with some interesting and effective choral type vocals and an excellent mix allowing the bass to shine through. Overall, this marks Winterfylleth's continuing trend of excellent albums- now at number five, discounting the three CD box set of a year or so past. Superb and atmospheric stuff- savour it.

 

“The Dark Hereafter” is available here

 

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

 

FFO: Wodensthrone, Drudkh, Fen, Wolves in the Throne Room

Drudkh + Hades Almighty - ‘One Who Talks with the Fog/Pyre Era, Black!’ Split (Review)

By: Heather Blewett

Album Type: Split LP
Date Released: 03/06/2016
Label: Season of Mist

One of the most paramount bands in the black metal genre, Drudkh have crafted a sound that strikes the ideal balance between brutality and atmosphere that is consistently delivered record after record. Their contribution to this split is sublime, “Golden Horse” commences fast and forceful and immediately recognizable for the incomparable majestic sound that Drudkh are so highly praised for.  Hades Almighty have returned strong on this split, the inclusion of choral and chanted vocals alongside stompy riffs and sinister growls makes for a memorable listen. Each track is immersed with variety; the concoction of musical elements is riveting and well structured.

‘One Who Talks with the Fog/Pyre Era, Black!’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. DRUDKH – Golden Horse
2. DRUDKH – Fiery Serpent
3. HADES ALMIGHTY – Pyre Era, Black!
4. HADES ALMIGHTY – Funeral Storm
5. HADES ALMIGHTY – Bound

The Review:

There isn’t a Drudkh release that should ever go unheard, and their latest opus alongside Hades Almighty is certainly no exception. One of the most paramount bands in the black metal genre, Drudkh have crafted a sound that strikes the ideal balance between brutality and atmosphere that is consistently delivered record after record.

Their contribution to this split is sublime, “Golden Horse” commences fast and forceful and immediately recognizable for the incomparable majestic sound that Drudkh are so highly praised for.  The riffs are emotive and soaring, juxtaposed with the vocal snarl and clattering of blast beats; it’s bold and brash yet imbued with melody and atmosphere. Following on with “Fiery Serpent”, a gloomier more melancholic tone is present, featuring a more expansive sound that once again exudes emotion and atmosphere.

With a tough act to follow Hades Almighty bring out the big guns (well riffs) for their input, solidly delivering with an almost modern day Alcest style riff introduction on “Pyre Era, Black!” before the heavily distorted guitars and crashing of cymbals disturbs the tranquillity. Forming in 1992 from Bergen, Norway, and with an arson charge for guitarist Jørn Inge Tunsberg’s for the burning of Åsane church along with Varg Vikernes, Hades Almighty don’t veer far from the stereotype. Nevertheless, their black/Viking metal offerings are very much welcomed after a 15-year hiatus.

Hades Almighty have returned strong on this split, the inclusion of choral and chanted vocals alongside stompy riffs and sinister growls makes for a memorable listen. Each track is immersed with variety; the concoction of musical elements is riveting and well structured.

If this is a glimpse into future releases from Hades Almighty, then good things are certainly to come. I look forward to a full-length follow up.

“One Who Talks with the Fog/Pyre Era, Black” is available here

 

Band info: facebook/Drudkh.Official/| facebook/HADESHORDEN/

"A Year in Review": Black Metal's "Sonic 6" for 2015

By:  Aaron Pickford

As part of our review of 2015, over the coming days, I will present the definitive “Sour 16” for 2015 and this will be generated by looking at all releases throughout the year, however I thought it would also be cool to look at specific genres too and whilst I would have loved to have generated a “Sour 16” for each popular genre at The Sludgelord, that would have taken up an inexplicable amount of time. Of course we all gravitate to a favourite genre, however each has its own merit, therefore I thought it would be a good idea to highlight, “six of the best” releases of 2015 within our most popular genres.  So today, as we reflect upon an awesome year of music in 2015, we present Black Metal’s “Sonic 6” for 2015

The Sludgelord’s ‘Sonic 6’ for 2015 is compiled based upon page views alone and calibrated into the list below, we will be presenting further lists during the lead up to Christmas, but for today roll up, kick back and Hail the riff!  Check out Black Metal’s “Sonic 6” for 2015 (full reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and total views since the date of publication are highlight in red). 

6). Imperial Triumphant - “Abysmal Gods” (562)

Certainly Imperial Triumphant share a stratosphere with the Gorguts, Artificial Brains, Pyrrhons and Deathspell Omegas of this universe, but this is a different breed of genius. There’s a sickness, a mentally “unwell” aspect to ‘Abyssal Gods’ that you simply cannot find anywhere else. The jangling, out of tune ragtime break early on in “Opposing Holiness”. The hallucinogenic guitar solos in “Black Psychedelia”. It all points to an album no one should miss out on, although you’re likely to come out the other end of it a worse person, or at least in a worse mood.

5). Arcturus – “Arcturian” (614)

The number of influences on this record is immense. Traces of classical, polka, noir, fusion, black metal, power metal, and many more can all be found on this album. Vocally, among the peppered black metal roots, there are traces of middle eastern scales, clean harmonies, and several other influences including Tool as one of the more obvious. The harmonies alone seem to come at the listener from all directions, adding to the intense psychedelic atmosphere.

<

4). Kjeld – “Skym” (737)

If you should listen to just one Black metal record of the year this could be the one because this is another Dutch fist in the face of God!

3). Enslaved – “In Times” (941)

Everyone has “their” Enslaved album and that runs a wide spectrum of possibilities because Enslaved have been excellent in a number of different ways. ‘In Times’ is just another example of Enslaved finding a new energy and turning that energy into something beautiful.

2). Drudkh – “A Furrow Cut Short” (1064)

‘A Furrow Cut Short’ is undoubtedly up there with ‘Autumn Aurora’ and ‘Blood in our Wells’; albums that are possibly the best to have emerged from the newer wave of ‘atmospheric’ black metal. Nothing is more satisfying than when one of your favourite bands releases potentially the best album of their career over ten years on. So clear a spot at the top of your album of the year list because ‘A Furrow Cut Short’ is it.

1). Marduk – Frontschwein (1428)

This black metal of the highest quality and of the most palatable type to a casual fan such as myself, all elements are present and correct with the band on great form. Looking for something to compound your winter blues? Look no further.

Reviews featured in this article were written by: Daniel Jackson, Joel Willis, Sven-Ake Alveving, Heather Blewett, Richard Maw

The Sludgelord's Sour 16 for April 2015

Welcome to The Sludgelord’s Sour 16. Each month, you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records of the month, covering all genres of metal, but predominately the best the doom, sludge, stoner-psychedelic genres have to offer. I have been promising to do this since the beginning of the year and in essence you can call it what you wish, is it chart? Not really.  It is merely the 16 records you guys have been most interested in over the last month and you have been checking out on this very page.

Our idea for this thing was to turn the power over to you guys, yes it would be easy for us to choose our favourite records of the months, however it is you the reader, the fans that support these bands, buy their records and attend their shows.  So here is the inarguable Sour 16, the 16 records you’re most looking forward too or are currently checking out.  Check em out, spread the word and perhaps revisit some records you may have overlooked.  

The results are compiled based on page views alone and calibrated into the list below. So without further ado, this is the Sour 16. So until next month, roll up, kick back, chug a beer and Hail the riff! All review links, are held under the artwork.   

  

16). Wild Throne – ‘War Is A Romance’ (299 views)

Read the review

15). Ghold – ‘Of Ruin’ (301 views)

Read the review

14). Iced Out – ‘Man’s Ruin’ (304 views)

Read the review

13). Abrahma – ‘Reflections in the Bowels of the Bird’ (305 views)

Read the review

12). Domovoyd – ‘Domovoyd’ (314 views)

Read the review

11). Holy Serpent – ‘Holy Serpent’ (315 views)

Read the review

10). Fister – ‘VI’ (322 views)

Read the review

9). Deep Sea Thunder Beast – ‘So Goes The Madness’ (336 views)

Read the review

8). War Iron – ‘Precession of the Equinoxes’ (361 views)

Read the review

7). Drudkh – ‘A Furrow Cut Short’ (381 views)

Read the review

6). Acid King – ‘Middle of Nowhere, Center of Everywhere’  (383 views)

Read the review

5). Weedpecker – ‘II’ (385 views)

Read the review

4). Red Mountains – ‘Sun’ (475 views)

Read the review

3). The Atomic Bitchwax – ‘Gravitron’ (618 views)

Read the review

2). Stonebirds – ‘Into The Fog...And The Filty Air’ (649 views)

Read the review

1). Faith No More – ‘Sol InVictus’ (985 views)

Read the review

Drudkh - 'A Furrow Cut Short' (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 20/04/2015

Label:  Season of Mist

‘A Furrow Cut Short’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Cursed Sons I
2. Cursed Sons II
3. To the Epoch of Unbowed Poets
4. Embers
5. Dishonour I
6. Dishonour II
7. Till Foreign Ground Shall Cover Eyes

Drudkh is:

Roman Sayenko | guitars
Thurios | guitar, vocals
Krechet | bass
Vlad | drums, keyboards

Review:

‘Honour Valour Pride’ is not only the album title of Bolt Thrower’s 2002 release, but the three words that capture the heart and soul of Ukrainian black metal band Drudkh. Oppression, heritage and homeland are themes that bands draw upon all the time, especially in black metal, however Drudkh have a serious connection with these themes; sadly due to the ongoing bloody struggle with Russia. Letting their frustration out in a creative manner has led to latest release ‘A Furrow Cut Short’ following up on 2012’s ‘Eternal Turn of the Wheel’. Having had two releases in between that, a split with Winterfylleth and a compilation of traditional folk songs called ‘One and All Together for Home’ (again including Winterfylleth, as well as Primordial, Kampfar and others), they are a band with an impressive discography that continues to grow. 

Part of the allure with Drudkh is their shroud of mystery, wanting to be understood through their music alone they do not partake in interviews or any form of press. A commendable decision, the frills and gimmicks are not needed or wanted here, just authentic black metal.

For me Drudkh are one of the most pure and organic black metal bands of this era.

‘A Furrow Cut Short’ is one of their most emotive releases to date. The soaring melodies and fluidity of the chord progressions is uplifting yet melancholic, particularly with the context of the Ukrainian conflict in mind. This is an album that resonates deeper with each listen, becoming almost a cathartic experience. ‘Cursed Sons 1 and 2’flow with such ease and are so epic in sound; this is Drudkh doing what they do best. Reflecting earlier albums like the incredible ‘Autumn Aurora’ with its melodic power, the atmosphere evokes a sense of escapism from day to day drudgery. 

It seems strange describing a black metal album as beautiful and emotional, as the connotations for black metal are typically more grim and frosty. However that’s a boundary that Drudkh have crossed, expressing their own style, merging the extreme with the power and beauty their music reflects. The focus on Ukrainian poetry and folk themes go hand in hand with the sweeping melodies, conjuring images of breath taking landscapes as well as portraying an innate pride of their homeland. ‘A Furrow Cut Short’ is undoubtedly up there with ‘Autumn Aurora’ and ‘Blood in our Wells’; albums that are possibly the best to have emerged from the newer wave of ‘atmospheric’ black metal. Nothing is more satisfying than when one of your favourite bands releases potentially the best album of their career over ten years on. So clear a spot at the top of your album of the year list because ‘A Furrow Cut Short’ is it.

Words by: Heather Blewett

‘A Furrow Cut Short’ is available here

For more information:

www.facebook.com/Drudkh.Official