🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: An Elegy
Track 2: Boughs Ablaze
Track 3: Hearken the End
Track 4: Verses in Oath
Track 5: Lamentation
Track 6: An Offering
Track 7: Cast Into the Well of Remembrance
Track 8: Vessel of Suffering
Track 9: Enchanted Steel
Track 10: Veil of Penitence
🎸 Album Review:
Hulder, the one-woman black metal project from Portland, Oregon, has been making waves in the underground metal scene with her haunting and atmospheric sound. Her latest offering, ‘Verses In Oath’, is a mesmerizing journey through dark forests and ancient realms, weaving tales of sorrow, vengeance, and mysticism. This album, released in 2021, showcases Hulder’s growth as a musician and storyteller, solidifying her place as a rising star in the black metal genre.
From the opening track, “An Elegy,” listeners are plunged into a world of bleak beauty and raw emotion. Hulder’s signature shrieks pierce through layers of melodic guitar riffs and thunderous drumming, creating a sense of urgency and despair. The production on ‘Verses In Oath’ is immaculate, with every instrument and vocal layer blending seamlessly to create a dense sonic tapestry that envelops the listener in its dark embrace.
Thematically, ‘Verses In Oath’ delves into themes of betrayal, loss, and redemption. Each track feels like a chapter in a grim fairy tale, with Hulder’s lyrics painting vivid images of ancient forests, forgotten gods, and eternal curses. The album’s title track, “Verses in Oath,” stands out as a powerful meditation on loyalty and sacrifice, with Hulder’s chilling vocals weaving a tale of blood oaths and broken promises.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Boughs Ablaze,” a relentless onslaught of blast beats and tremolo-picked guitar riffs that evokes a sense of impending doom. Hulder’s vocals on this track are particularly intense, ranging from guttural growls to ethereal chants, adding depth and dimension to the song’s fiery atmosphere. The haunting melodies and intricate guitar work on “Lamentation” also deserve special mention, showcasing Hulder’s skill as a composer and arranger.
Compared to Hulder’s previous albums, ‘Verses In Oath’ feels like a natural progression in terms of songwriting and musicality. While her earlier work was more raw and primal, this album demonstrates a more refined and mature approach to black metal, with a greater emphasis on atmosphere and storytelling. The production on ‘Verses In Oath’ is also a step up from her previous releases, with a cleaner and more dynamic sound that allows each instrument to shine.
Overall, ‘Verses In Oath’ is a masterful display of Hulder’s talent and vision as a musician. The album’s intricate compositions, evocative lyrics, and powerful vocals come together to create a deeply immersive listening experience that will captivate fans of black metal and dark ambient music alike. Hulder has once again proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the world of underground metal, and ‘Verses In Oath’ stands as a testament to her creative prowess and artistic integrity.
In conclusion, ‘Verses In Oath’ is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates atmospheric black metal with a touch of melancholy and mysticism. Hulder’s ability to craft intricate and evocative music sets her apart from her peers, and this album solidifies her reputation as one of the most exciting voices in the genre today. With its haunting melodies, powerful vocals, and immersive storytelling, ‘Verses In Oath’ is a true masterpiece that will linger in the hearts and minds of listeners long after the music fades away.