Verheerer are a German black metal band and this is their third album.
I enjoyed 2018’s Maltrér, as well as its 2019 follow up Monolith. In fact, I thought I had reviewed the latter too, but apparently not. Well, it’s been six years, and now we have the 52-minute Urgewalt, and I’m not going to miss writing about this little gem.
Urgewalt is a tempest of darkness and cruelty, yet is not without subtlety or nuance – quite the opposite in fact. Verheerer’s black metal is sharp and lethal, with melodic streaks that cut to the bone. There is a thrash edge to the vocals, (expressive and idiosyncratic), and some of the guitars, (screaming solos and jagged riffs), lending an energetic fury to the music’s cold blackened heart. There is also a post-punk feel to some parts of the music, especially when the distorted aggression drops down and the bass, drums, and lead guitar come together to embrace the listener in their sorrowful arms.
The songs are well-written and structured, bringing the listener blistering ferocity, tempered by moments of deep emotion and grim atmosphere. Some of the leads in particular are quite affecting in their effectiveness. I really like Verheerer’s ability to move seamlessly from molten savagery to emotive depth. All the while, they worldbuild and immerse, leading the listener through the songs with the skill of artisans.
All combined, Verheerer offer a compelling form of modern black metal that’s remarkably potent. Urgewalt is a very strong album, and I wasn’t prepared for the journey it took me on. This is music built on a foundation of feeling and emotion that’s uncommon in black metal.
Essential listening.
Wonderbox Metal 