Krieg – Ruiner (Review)

This is the ninth album from US black metal band Krieg.

Ruiner contains 40 minutes of black metal that’s dark, melancholic, and full of venomous aggression.

There’s an obvious second wave influence on Ruiner, but this is combined with a USBM aspect too. It makes for a compelling listen overall, and draws strengths from both areas. You can hear some post-punk influences too in some of the melodies and atmospheric elements, which are incorporated well into the band’s potent black metal.

The well-crafted songs have a melodic presence that makes for an instantly arresting first impression. Building on this over time are the music’s abyssal depths that draw you back like drowning souls to the heart of the maelstrom. Krieg know how to combine the striking instant appeal of grim blackened melody with the timeless depth of immersive blackened art.

Offering a journey of searing intensity and rich melodic colour, the music is textured and detailed enough to make the most of its atmospheric presence, yet still retain black metal’s vicious bite. This is then topped by the singer’s idiosyncratic screams, growls, and roars that are harsh and unhinged in the best of ways; the vocals barely sound human, more like a pantheon of daemons snarling and shrieking with terrifying glee at the end of times.

Ruiner is a strong album that’s very enjoyable. Make sure you check this out.

Very highly recommended.