This is the second album from Dutch solo black metal band Beenkerver.
De Rode Weduwe contains 40 minutes of 90s-inspired second wave black metal. Played with fiery passion and cold aggression, the artist behind Beenkerver, (along with a couple of guests), offers an authentic take on the style that’s delivered with contemporary skill.
Dr Rode Weduwe is ferocious and brutal, a feast of icy riffs and rich melodic bite. Fast drumming, frozen heaviness, and atmospheric presence combine to create an enjoyable exercise in infernal darkness. The album is on the faster side overall, but not exclusively. Cuts like personal favourites Breng Mij Haar Hoofd and Vergane Rozen slow the pace and ramp up the atmosphere, demonstrating that De Rode Weduwe is as well-rounded as you would want it to be.
The songs are well-written and effectively realised. They are cold and merciless, but have a clear emotive core that renders them sharp and piercing. I also want to take the time to acknowledge many of the thick, meaty riffs that appear here and there, spread out across the music’s speed and frosted auras; the artist behind Beenkerver knows how to pen a good riff when it’s needed.
With an ear for good dynamics, a solid grasp of composition, and an understanding of what makes this sort of black metal worth diving into and exploring, Beenkerver’s music is satisfying and enjoyable. If you have a taste for the style, then spend some time with De Rode Weduwe.
Wonderbox Metal 