ULFARR
ULFARR “Orlegsceaft”
By Octopi Mills
It is of pleasure to hear the vocals and lyrics are done in old English, as I read the write up here and listen, I also take note of the old 90s black metal sound aesthetics employed. The string, synth, and drums harmonize well in their own proper and respective disharmonies and discordant means and the "throaty" vocal style adds a gurgling that is like the mouth to some babbling river cave. There is that old semi-epic black metal feel with medieval or dark ages flair done in a melodic style that permeates the album. Guitars are notably performed in a way that sets a great mood and atmosphere; evoking things far off and away in nearly aethereal hints in the way they warp and wind, finely tuned to a journey and tale. At times it reminds me of the melodic style of “Occulta Mors” from the old German band, MOONBLOOD:..the way the strings ring militantly and are as swords or spears in patterns.,,,
I haven't heard their previous albums but the promo mentions this as being a turn in direction a bit. I would recommend they stay on this olden sound or work within it for the future because it seems to be something they slip right into naturally. Aside from the throat singing style used on newer films dealing with Saxons and "Vikings", whether actually authentic or not, the vocals are ordinary to the black metal style carved out before. Where at times songs could tend to meander in their own juices a bit long, it is usually made up somehow in attention to creating an old school black metal style and does honor the old stars of blackened night, never quite wearing out its welcome. Not a bad album at all, and it might be interesting to see where they take this Umbrian black metal style hereafter...