Runespell – Shores of Nastrond (Review)

This is the fifth album from Australian black metal band Runespell.

I’ve enjoyed following Runespell’s progress over the years, (be sure to check out previous work Unhallowed Blood Oath, Order of Vengeance, Voice of Opprobrium, and Verses in Regicide), so listening to Shores of Nastrond was pretty mandatory. This new album contains 46 minutes of new material, and is also Runespell’s first as a full band, rather than just a solo act, (with current/ex-members of bands like Illimitable Dolor, The Slow Death, and Temple Nightside).

The Runespell of 2023 follows in the footsteps of what came before, but then branches out on its own to make its own mark on the world. Shores of Nastrond is a pagan black metal album that boasts mystical atmospheres, refined aggression, and dark mood-rich presence. With glorious epic flourishes and well-crafted acoustic elements do the blackened songs unfold, and it’s clear that the band’s melodic leanings have been enriched further. Runespell sound hungry and ambitious, and Shores of Nastrond showcases the band’s refreshed vigour well.

Of course, Runespell always exhibited these aspects, but the new songs exemplify them to a degree that is impressive and enjoyable to hear. The band’s sound is fuller and more well-developed, especially the intricate guitar parts and melodies, both courtesy of the original founding artist.

The atmospheres are deeper, the melodies richer, and the canvas painted on broader. The blackened tapestry that is Shores of Nastrond is detailed and textured, and a true work of esoteric atmospheric art. All of the songs are well-crafted, but Elemental Fires is especially notable, as it’s a particularly good example of how well integrated all of Runespell’s component parts can be. Or maybe I should mention final track Vigirdr Fields, with its effective use of mood setting and worldbuilding? Any song here is worth your time though, (there’s even an interlude track that, while ultimately still filler, is still better than most).

One of the things in like about Runespell is the artist’s reliability. Each album improves on the last, and Shores of Nastrond is no different in this regard. If you’re a fan of underground black metal with heart, passion, and raw atmospheric depth, then don’t miss out on this.

Very highly recommended.