Hulder – Verses In Oath
Release Date: 9th February 2024
Label: 20 Buck Spin
Bandcamp
Genre: Black Metal
FFO: Aeternus, Ancient, Satyricon, Hades, Enslaved, Warmoon Lord, Moonsorrow, Tsjuder.
Review By: Hillary Wisniewski
Wandering out of the deep, dense forests of the Pacific Northwest comes Hulder with the sophomore release Verses in Oath. The first full length album Godslastering: Hymns of a Forlorn Peasantry was stunning, so I was curious to see where Hulder would take things next. There are no growing pains here and, if anything, Hulder’s sound has evolved in the best possible way. Of the new album, it is said “While Black Metal has evolved into myriad offshoots and subgenres to the point of incomprehension, HULDER is resolutely steeped in the genre’s destructive preeminence, rituals and traditions, carrying the torch of its origins and heritage. And still “Verses in Oath” astonishes with the malevolent spirit of creative autonomy and individual freedom essential to reach the genre’s exalted heights.” Well said and a pretty spot on description.
Hulder has achieved a balance between bringing the heavy, brutal elements of black metal forth while also allowing some space to breathe by having more slow and churning tracks in the mix. Additionally, the generous use of synthesiser makes for ambient sound strewn throughout. You can tell there was quite a bit of thought put into how to place tracks and pull everything together. It makes for one hellish tapestry of sound. Of particular note on this work are the vocals; there is a blackened death vibe present throughout most of the album, and the delivery is ferocious enough to split your skull. Moments of clean vocals on some tracks rounds everything out quite nicely, as they are absolutely mesmerising and haunting. The spirits of old could easily be swayed to make their presence known when hearing such a siren song.
There are some filler tracks on Verses in Oath. Anyone who has read previous reviews of mine would know this is a bit of a point of contention for me; however, that is not the case here. It begins with the lonely, unsettling cawing of crows interspersed with strong winds; something wicked this way comes. The mood of this opening evokes the image of being alone in a cabin deep in the forest, looking out onto a wintry landscape in which skeletal branches sway and creak during forceful gusts. Lamentation almost sounds like a disembodied voice that might come across a spirit box, and it shifts into the next track which features haunting vocals paired with synth and tribal-like percussion. During this song, I pictured myself walking through a forest, surrounded by old growth trees and stepping on mossy earth. I would have been at peace to stretch out on the forest floor and be drawn into the rich, dark soil. The imagery these tracks bring forth is one of the most enjoyable things about listening to Verses in Oath.
I have no qualms with this album. Hulder really draws upon the old school black metal sound while adding depth and folkloric elements. Of course, not everyone is going to be receptive to Verses in Oath, and I have certainly seen a fair amount of shade in some online forums. By far, the most enlightened comments are from dudes who want to make it known that the only reason anyone is paying attention to Hulder is because “she is hot.” It can’t be based on how fantastic this work is from start to finish, eh? Or how there is a respect for the roots of black metal while also having a sense of individual purpose? Or just straight up talent? Certainly not. It always has to go back to how a woman looks. I can’t speak for all women in the scene, but I just want to put out there that this type of shit gets old. Do you know what doesn’t get old, though? A seriously kick ass black metal album and in that regard Hulder delivers the goods!
(5 / 5)
