Review Summary: DARK MEDIEVAL TIMES
For those of you that don't know, Hulder is a one-woman black metal band from Portland, Oregon. As someone who isn't very well versed in her discog,
Verses in Oath came as a huge surprise to me. Hearing only one previous EP that was very solid, yet unremarkable melodic folky black metal, I didn't quite know what to expect. Hulder has made me a believer...
First off, this album is way gothic influenced than what I've heard from Hulder in the past. From the haunting female cleans to the way the keys are arranged, it gives off heavy early era Cradle of Filth vibes a la
The Principle of Evil Made Flesh. Production is on the more raw side of things and that enhances the overall "vampyric" essence oozing from this album. I don't know if that was her intention, but good lord does it work to perfection. Don't get confused though,
Verses in Oath is chock full of tasty melodic riffs and some damn great drum work as well as some super chunky basslines which has never been very common in black metal. The harsh vocals are also fantastic, giving off a more hoarse "bear like" roar that sounds like Satan burping up his lunch. There's also a very medieval atmosphere hovering over this album like a beautiful black cloud, possibly reminding listeners of Satyricon's first 2 albums and invoking feelings of being a peasant wandering the filthy streets in hope of nourishment.
Hulder has set a new bar for herself with
Verses in Oath as a force to be reckoned within the black metal scene. USBM has been blowing up over the past few years and Hulder has proved that she intends to be a fearless leader within this new wave. Amazing atmosphere? Check. Headbangable, varied riffage? Check. Bile spewing from the vocal chords? Check. Now all you have to do is sit back, relax and submit yourself to these dark meideval times!
