Genre: Black Metal
Length: 49:32
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Today, I invite you to explore the obscure and mystical depths of black metal with the German project Waldruine. Founded in 2021 in Lower Saxony, this project perfectly embodies the spirit of the German scene, reputed to be one of the best in extreme metal. In August 2024, Waldruine released their debut album Nachtmeerfahrten on the Hammerbund label, a limited edition of 300 copies in digipak CD format.
Nachtmeerfahrten is a nine-track album, lasting a total of 49 minutes and 32 seconds. With a songwritting and production style reminiscent of 90s black metal, the album transports us into a dark and mysterious universe, where the influences of Scondinavian's second wave can be felt throughout. The tracks are mostly long, allowing the occult and orthodox atmosphere to settle in and develop. Here are my impressions and highlights of this fascinating album.
The ceremonial introduction, Initiation: Einmarsch, immediately sets the tone with its ritual ambience. The keyboards, often used to accentuate the darkness, shine particularly brightly on passages like Todes-Fluch: Neidstange (halfway through the song), where an almost suffocating atmosphere takes hold. The drums, meanwhile, play an essential role, alternating between frenetic passages and more measured moments that heighten the tension.
Some tracks offer a ritualistic and mystical atmosphere, thanks to spellbinding riffs and arrangements. For example, Das Gesetz des Trapezoeders: Die elektrischen Vorspiele opens with a striking bass line before intensifying with a gradual acceleration of the drums. Other tracks are characterised by raw intensity, where the high-pitched, howling vocals reach new heights, as on Totenkopf-Matrix, marked by a transition to a ceremonial atmosphere accompanied by whispers in the background.
Now I'll telk about the tracks I liked: Septem Passus Draconis Magni: V.I.T.R.I.O.L. stands out as the ceremonial climax of the album. Guitar riffs, keyboard notes and whispers create a mysterious atmosphere. Towards the end, the vocals unleash a powerful moment. Another standout track for me is Ubique Diabolus, where the drums bludgeon relentlessly into a hellish frenzy. and Daimon Vortex is a true instrumental deluge.
Nachtmeerfahrten is an album that will delight worshippers of traditional and orthodox black metal. With its production and songwriting faithful to the 90s and its dark atmospheres. Waldruine have captured the mystical essence of the genre. The standout moments, whether instrumental or vocal performances, make this album memorable. If you like this kind of black metal, I recommend it.