Second-Wave Black Metal – Page 28

Råttkung – Unborn Undead (Review)

This is the latest EP from one-man black metal band Råttkung, who hails from Denmark.

Råttkung’s debut EP Dark Is the Beginning was 17 minutes of raw, underground black metal that reached back to the early days of the second wave for inspiration.

In some ways this influence is continued on this latest short release, but we also see another side to Råttkung too. Here we get a mere three songs in 10 minutes, but what this EP lacks in length it makes up for in blackened malice and ambition. Continue reading “Råttkung – Unborn Undead (Review)”

Grafvitnir – Obeisance to a Witch Moon (Review)

This is the fourth album by Swedish black metal band Grafvitnir.

Influenced by the second wave of black metal, Grafvitnir take the traditional template and for 39 minutes bend this to their will, providing the listener with sophisticated brutality and thoughtful harshness. Continue reading “Grafvitnir – Obeisance to a Witch Moon (Review)”

Gravespawn – Inexorable Grimness (Review)

This is the latest EP from Gravespawn, a black metal band from the US.

This is cold, malignant black metal that draws influence from the second wave era and successfully and authentically produces five songs of enjoyably grim orthodoxy.

As a side note – it’s worth mentioning, I suppose, that at 33 minutes in length this EP is actually longer than some albums. Continue reading “Gravespawn – Inexorable Grimness (Review)”

Void Ritual – Holodomor (Review)

Void Ritual is a one-man project out of New Mexico.

This is brutal Black Metal with a harsh vibe running throughout. The songs are ugly, dense and crawling with filth and hatred.

Blastbeats charge and guitars hack and bleed Black blood. Based on the concept of starvation and horror the music is suitably uncaring and swift to move on.

I love the guitars; not only is the sound really good, (in general as well as specifically the six-strings), but the Blackened moods created are expansive and corrupting whilst the melodies employed are subtly invasive and work their way slowly into your brain.

Passionate screams overlay the grim guitars and the singer has a great rasp. He’s capable of unleashing both high-pitched venom and deeper, powerful growls. Both work with the riffs for maximum effect to create a cohesive attack.

This is straight-for-the-throat second-wave Black Metal that’s fiercely impressive and talented.

Highly recommended.