Label: Self released, Zwaertgevegt
Date: May 25th, 2025
It is beyond belief that a band of just five years produces its fifth full length record, with it being of this substance and quality! It almost feels like they’re cheating somehow. The first three albums were real good introductions to the stellar fourth and this one leaves its predecessor in the dust with the band levelling up considerably. Honestly, I didn’t want to state it in my review of “IV”, since the word is thrown around way too lightly in recent years, but this band is genuinely groundbreaking and innovative.
Yes, even if they do not alter the rules to the black metal game, Walg manages to bring you melodic, neo-classical, atmospheric, folk black metal with traces of melodic death metal. Their rather authentic blend of these, often conflicting, genres is what separates them from their surroundings. Yet, what elevates above and beyond even their own previous efforts, is their ability to come up with exquisite instrumental elements and arrange them into beautifully enchanting compositions. Compositions indeed! As the mentioned neo-classical aspect of Walg’s creation doesn’t come alive just by using (very) subtle symphonic background, but also with track development which drives the atmospheric impact. It is much deeper than extremely effective riffing which encapsulates the grandeur of “V”. It is helped, but not altogether dependant on highly dynamic rhythm section. All of this, combined with vocals which may be the least impressive (though excellent in their own execution), brings about an album filled to the brim with nine incredible musical pieces.
From the blind aggression of Children Of Bodom, nuanced folklore motifs of Ancient Rites, slight early Dimmu Borgir symphonics, all wrapped in drenched heavy raincoat of Primordial’s atmosphere. And that’s just a broad nod in a general direction where you might find Walg’s soundscape. Like I said, this Dutch duo’s expression is not completely unlike everything you’ve ever heard. Their influences are fairly obvious, the roots of their black metal upbringing are relatively easily discerned. However, the way Walg is using the “weaponry at hand” is absolutely their own!
From sharp, high-pitched lead guitar, introduced in the pulverizing opener “De Vlinder En De Dromer”, to the weight of a million suns in “Het Schimmen Dialoog”. From brutal heaviness to the acoustic tenderness of a broken body and mind… Epic feel of “De Adem Van Het Einde”, to almost theatrical “Het Pijnlichaam”. All the way to the smart lyrics without too much unnecessary philosophy.
Actually, in that regard I can only speak about the first two singles off the album, as I haven’t got the rest of the poetry in the promo pack. Still, would a band that invested so much into the musical side of their creation, leave anything to chance when it comes to words uttered? I think not!
In reality, this is an album for the ages! Walg’s stature is steadily growing, even if they’re still a young band. They’re gaining recognition and this album in particular needs to become a part of every decent black metal collection. Beware though, the CD pre-order for this album has sold out in just five days! Without a major record label behind them, self-released CD. A feat that should tell you more than any review, including this one.
