On their third album Verbolgen, the black metal outfit Hulder are a duo, with longtime collaborator Necreon (bass, vocals) now an official member. After a brief intro the band launches into “The Crowning,” returning to the somewhat grim origins of the sonic nature of this subgenre. Chants are heard in the distance while the guitars create an unmistakable atmosphere that is purely black metal. This is especially true when the cleans become harsh. Even moving at midtempo, this song doesn’t lose any of its ebony-drenched eminence.
“Thy Binding Oath” can tug at the heartstrings of the listener through tremolo picked sections, continuing Hulder’s trend of blending atmosphere with chaos, balancing beauty with extremes, something that the band has continued to improve upon through subsequent releases. The title track is more drum forward with blast beats ticking up the intensity of this tome, with guitar solos flying in and out of the fray while Hulder herself is bathed in the sonic excess.
Crossing over the midway point of the album we have “In Blood And In Earth,” which begins like a trek through snowy landscapes before getting hit with frigid force once again giving off Dissection-like vibes as the riffs meet the tranquility and tumult in equal parts. “Den Nacht Zijn Lied” has some excellent melodic sections with the guitar being prominently featured. Seeing as the song is about the night, it evokes sights of clouds passing by the moon overlooking a vast expanse of ivory imagery.
One of the most directly bombastic songs is one of the last. “View From Nemeton” fires on all cylinders and effortlessly blasts through military-grade steel, all before the album concludes with the instrumental “The Glow of Dawn” allowing for the dust to officially settle. By continuing to state their claim for black metal supremacy through atmosphere, extremity and overall craft, Verbolgen sees Hulder at their absolute finest.
(released August 7, 2026 on 20 Buck Spin)
Heavy Music HQ Rating:
Watch Hulder – “In Blood And In Earth” Video
