black metal
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Only a few days ago, I was writing about the Dutch black metal scene and about how prolific some of the bands from The Netherlands have been over the years. Today, I can add another band to that already impressive list. It's a duo, their name is 'Folteraar', which translates as 'Torturer'. With that in mind, welcome to the sick, twisted, confusion and mesmerizing underground of the Dutch black metal scene. Prepare to be punished...
'Vertellingen Van Een Donkere Eeuw' is not just another black metal album. It's a sonic assault, grim, raw and harsh. It takes me back to a time when this genre was in its infancy. Lo-fi production, grinding guitars, morbid vocals and a fatal array of blast beats are the main elements, enhanced by a dark and bleak atmosphere. To hell with melody and orchestral arrangements, Folteraar can do their job perfectly without those.
That obviously doesn't mean that this album lacks power, on the very contrary. Some of the songs here, like 'Waan' for example, are immersive pieces of what we now call depressive black metal. Slow but still with a gnawing element that will not leave you in piece. Others, 'Mijn Verlossing' as a leading example, are terrifying pieces of blackened chaos, relentless in nature and absolutely overwhelming if played loud enough.
I know I only mentioned two songs, but I feel like both perfectly represent what Folteraar stands for. There is also little else to write about this album. If you are a fan of the darkest, most obscure and harshest black metal bands out there, you need to get your hands on a copy of this piece of work. If you're nostalgic for a time when black metal was all about fiercely exercising inner fears and desires, you absolutely need this.
​Serge
'Vertellingen Van Een Donkere Eeuw' is not just another black metal album. It's a sonic assault, grim, raw and harsh. It takes me back to a time when this genre was in its infancy. Lo-fi production, grinding guitars, morbid vocals and a fatal array of blast beats are the main elements, enhanced by a dark and bleak atmosphere. To hell with melody and orchestral arrangements, Folteraar can do their job perfectly without those.
That obviously doesn't mean that this album lacks power, on the very contrary. Some of the songs here, like 'Waan' for example, are immersive pieces of what we now call depressive black metal. Slow but still with a gnawing element that will not leave you in piece. Others, 'Mijn Verlossing' as a leading example, are terrifying pieces of blackened chaos, relentless in nature and absolutely overwhelming if played loud enough.
I know I only mentioned two songs, but I feel like both perfectly represent what Folteraar stands for. There is also little else to write about this album. If you are a fan of the darkest, most obscure and harshest black metal bands out there, you need to get your hands on a copy of this piece of work. If you're nostalgic for a time when black metal was all about fiercely exercising inner fears and desires, you absolutely need this.
​Serge