Ultha – A Light so Dim (Review)

This is the fifth album from German black metallers Ultha.

So, Ultha, (who are likely the best contemporary black metal band in the world), have only gone and unexpectedly released a monster of a new album in the 74-minute A Light so Dim. This is a record you need to hear if you’re in any way into modern black metal.

Featuring impactful guests, (especially on What’s Yours Is Yours to Carry and The Quiet Current), and a full choir on closer To Part the Abelia Springs, this is an epic 10-track odyssey of exploratory depth that showcases just how formidable Ultha’s talents are. It’s a lengthy opus, a multifaceted journey into black metal that’s both furious and atmospheric. A Light so Dim offers an experience like few others, even within the extensive Ultha catalogue; esoteric and inscrutable, yet with such mood-rich worldbuilding that it’s impossible to turn away from it.

The Ultha sound is typically somewhat well-defined, while also presenting different facets of the band’s abilities on every release. A Light so Dim progresses their sound further than ever, while retaining what makes the band so special. Ultha have not stood still. This latest material sees an increase in progressive and post-metal elements, alongside an experimental/electronic edge. There’s even a death metal influence in places, (Hex upon our Heads is a brutal example of this, at least until it ascends into eerie post-rock territories).

There is a lot going on here. Ultha sound like they’re pushing themselves on these new tracks, but they also sound like they’re having fun. Intense, hypnotic, ferocious, awe-inspiring fun, but fun nonetheless. This is not to give a false impression of A Light so Dim though, as this is basically a record of weaponised sonic malevolence; steeped in darkness and dripping with captivating emotive energy. In addition to this, the music is presented with a recording and production values that are probably the clearest and most nuanced that the band have ever had. This time, when Ultha unleash their massive wall of sound, you can read every detail on it as it looms ominously above you.

The songs are well-crafted, nuanced, and intricate. Each one speaks of time, passion, and quality control. They are simultaneously dense and spacious, intimate and vast. This is music you can fall deeply into, but never hit the bottom. Every song has its own personality within the album’s musical framework. Ultha have more ideas in one song than many bands have across multiple albums, yet it’s all skilfully incorporated into the record’s overall character by exacting standards and attentive songwriting.

This is probably Ultha’s most diverse and, almost paradoxically, accessible release. It’s hard to find any real fault with it, despite a small instance of spoken word, (a mood-ruiner when almost any band uses), on the otherwise excellent Cherry Knots (The Sun Shines Through You). Basically, Ultha are shockingly good, and A Light so Dim is an amazing record. It’s as simple as that. You’ll be seeing this once more at the end of the year, mark my words. This is as essential as it gets.