Hulder "Verbolgen" LP

Answering the call of the ancestral fires and forest spirits, Hulder returns with its third full length statement Verbolgen. Over the course of those three albums, Hulder has evolved from the vision of a solitary black metal entity into something more expansive and collaborative, though still guided by the strident vision of its creator and namesake. On Verbolgen long-time session member Necreon steps forward to join Hulder as full-fledged co-conspirator, amplifying the duos sweeping solemnity. Across nine tracks, Verbolgen deepens Hulder’s characteristic balance of scathing black metal and windswept melancholy through increasingly layered arrangements and ritualistic atmosphere. Whether with the brutal immediacy of “View from Nemeton” or the ceremonial mid-paced summoning of “In Blood and In Earth,” Hulder’s signature sound is more immense and malevolent than ever. Joined on session drums by both Vapula (the band’s live drummer) and Vrolok of the legendary Aeternus as well as live second guitar player Keld (Majesties, Obsequiae), who here contributes additional leads, keys and hurdy gurdy, the Hulder universe widens its collaborative disposition to a new creative level. As with the previous album Verses In Oath the mix has been handled by Ahti Kortelainen at Tico Tico Studio in Finland, giving the album an earthy resonance befitting its obsessions with blood, landscape and spiritual inheritance. Verbolgen also features cover art created by Morrigan of Aeternus, her first cover work since contributing art for the earliest Aeternus LPs nearly thirty years ago. The result is a towering and immersive work that cements Verbolgen as the most potent and immersive expression of Hulder’s artistic vision to date. Silver vinyl from 20 Buck Spin.