Finland's Vargrav have returned with a new recording which continues the symphonic style of black metal from their previous releases and this is a review of their 2023 album "The Nighthold" which will be released on December 15th by Werewolf Records.
Field recordings start off the album along with some evil laughter being added into the background briefly before adding in some choirs and symphonic elements which also mixes in with the heavier sections of the songs. Vocals are mostly grim sounding black metal screams and melodies are also added into some of the guitar riffing.
When the music speeds up a decent amount of tremolo picking and blast beats can be heard while the album is also very heavily rooted in the mid 90's era. Spoken word parts are also added in certain sections of the recording along with the songs also adding in a good mixture of slow, mid paced and fast parts, when guitar solos and leads are added into the music they are also done in a very melodic style.
All of the musical instruments also have a very powerful sound to them along with a couple of the tracks are also very long and epic in length, clean playing can also be heard on a couple of songs, the album also adds in a couple of instrumentals as well as some whispered vocals and growls also being utilized briefly. The production sounds very professional while the lyrics cover darkness, misanthropy and metaphysical themes
In my opinion this is another great sounding recording from Vargrav and if you are a fan of symphonic black metal, you should check out this album. RECOMMENDED TRACKS INCLUDE "Through The Woods Of Breathing Shadows" "Encircle The Spectral Dimension" " A Dark Consecration" and "Ghostlands". 8 out of 10.
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