A split album that combines the talents of the United Kingdom’s Blackest of hearts. From the prolific and established Úlfarr to the debut of Malfeitor, it is a release that re-ignites the urgency of second-wave black metal and its raw, malignant spirit.
Úlfarr’s music is ugly, inciteful and vital. One listens to ‘’ Inexorable Purpose Within the Hidden Eye Pt1, ” and its counterpoint Part II reveals a sense of purpose and direction. This is raw, primal, ugly, hate-filled at times depressive music. Coupled with the intense ‘’ Sacred Right of Bloodshed,” Ulfarr create music that is raw and primal, filled with a sense of urgency as if they were to topple into the abyss of hate and suffering. Musically, this is pure second-wave nineties black metal, yet it is not derivative. There is a sense of vitriol and authenticity that runs on pure emotion and fury.
’’ Serpent of Coils’’ is almost celebratory in its delivery of all things metal. One of UKBM’s stalwarts, these new tracks are amongst their strongest and define their uncompromising stance.
Sharing the Split with Ulfarrs rich history is the debut of Nosdrahcir’s (everything) project Malfeitor. It was, again, rooted in the raw, upfront Black metal style that is abrasive and unwelcoming to those who simply do not understand.
Gloriously unsubtle, the intent is clear. From the opening declaration ‘’Black Metal Is Death’’ to the abrasive closer ‘’Raping Solitude (Is a Fate Worse Than Death)’’, Malfeitor delivers tremolo-ridden blasts of speed that then delve into a slower, almost depressive-like pace that lets the riffs bleed all over the music. The vocals rage from shrieks to darkened incantations yet never are overbearing.
It is a glorious pairing of extreme acts who share the same blackened heartbeat. The tradition of split albums is alive and a precursor of the Armageddon to come. Merging the established with the new is inspired as is both artist’s music and complete dedication to their craft and cold black metal fury.
Úlfarr / Malfeitor: Facebook / Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: Purity Through Fire
Category: Album
Country: UK
Reviewed by Sparky
