Imagine if electricity and technology existed thousands of years ago when different forms of music were popping up around the world. Might heavy metal have been brought into existence a lot sooner than it was? That’s not how history evolved, and we’re just over a half century of metal history, yet there are bands that might have thrived ages ago.

One of those is black metal force Hulder, whose penchant for ancient sounds and mythologies has powered this machine and made it one that, while modern, could have been a major force centuries ago with the right tools. Their new record “Verbolgen,” their third full-length, delves back into pre-Christian customs, spirits, and storytelling, wrapping the music in times long passed. Hulder now is joined by Necreon as a permanent member; Keld (Majesties, Obsequiae, Celestiial) contributes hurdy gurdy, electric guitars, and keys; and drums are split between touring drummer Vapula and Vrolok (Aeternus, Gorgoroth). Together they draw from European folklore, history, and melodies to add a different depth to their black metal, which is as vital as ever.

“Drie Raven (Intro)” dawns with fire crackling, acoustic guitars and flutes floating, sounds buzzing and moving into “The Crowning” that instantly gushes with power. Vicious howls pummel as the guitars heat up, shocking with chaos, the metallic melodies taking on an old world feel. Shrieks rain down, sounding deeper and burlier, everything shrouded in smoke. “Thy Binding Oath” has guitars opening, folk strains flowing, sounds hanging in the air before destroying. Group calls rise as the tempo gushes, the howls maul away at muscle, and everything ends in a burly puzzle. The title track fires up and is scathing in a hurry, flexing muscle but also melting into mournful movements that add a different shade of blackness. Growls erupt as the storm fully engulfs, the playing scathes, and blood drips from mouths. “…And We Shall Sing” has spiraling guitars and drums that stomp holes, the leads swirling into a humid thickness. The pace brawls as the vocals carve, and then the riffs glow mysteriously before brute force takes over, burning into oblivion.

“In Blood and In Earth” opens with winds whipping, acoustic flourishes chilling, and then charred power, howls crushing as the tempo crests, savagery sprawling over hot coals. Once the smoke settles, everything basks in darkness, guitars send pointed messages, and the waters boil over, gliding through sunlight, letting the thunder drop once more. “Den Nacht Zijn Lied” is sung entirely in Flemish, and it, too, aims to take off heads, animalistic bursts gathering in a corner coiled to strike, throaty growls spitting cinders. The playing swims through rough currents, feeling grim and sweaty, and the tempo sweeps, taking everything in its path with it. “View From Nemeton” spills in from a vortex, jolting and stampeding, synth coating the edges with neon mist, clean calls driving into the night. The leads cascade as the brutality multiplies, wrenching with beastly force, the growls choking out the lights. Closer “The Glow of Dawn” is an instrumental, and a rousing one at that as flutes slather, blistering guitars flow, and a there’s sense that nature is having its revenge. A warm, apocalyptic glow gives off weird vibes as the playing smolders, the drums kick up the intensity, and the final moments slip into a dream, slowly fading into your brain.

“Verbolgen,” from its cover art to its fascination with a pre-modern world, spills over your mind with a sense that you are elsewhere, and the fires you see are primitive. Hulder’s playing is anything but prehistoric, as they continue to be a ravaging force that has galvanized black metal. This record continues their ascent and mastery of an art so few can as accurately translate as violently as this band.  

For more on the band, go here: https://hulder.bandcamp.com/

To buy the album, go here: https://www.20buckspin.com/hulder

For more on the label, go here: https://www.20buckspin.com/