This is the second album from Scáth Na Déithe, an Irish black/death metal band.

The Dirge of Endless Mourning contains 44 minutes of atmospheric black metal mixed with malignant death metal. It’s spiritually comparable in scope and breadth to the Cascadian style, but filtered through Irish folklore and history and has a brutal edge that comes from the death metal influences. The result is an album that pulls strengths from both parent styles; it’s brutally atmospheric, and all the more addictive because of this.

Deep growls and piercing screams are your companions across these four lengthy and engaging tracks. This is music that’s both atmospheric and violent, with grim guitars and dark melodies aplenty. Despite its themes being rooted in the past, The Dirge of Endless Mourning is a modern record, making the most of a variety of influences with a production that allows the band to flex their considerable sonic muscles.

The black and death metal elements are merged flawlessly, with the latter adding aggressive weight to the former. Some of the slower parts add a doom flavour, which is most welcome, and there are lighter, reflective moments to be had as well. The Dirge of Endless Mourning succeeds well in demonstrating the band’s creative powers, and each of these four songs stands proudly on its own merits. Taken together, it’s a very strong package indeed.

The Dirge of Endless Mourning is essential listening for anyone who likes well-written and textured extreme metal.