Despite jamming together for over ten years, Vholdghast have only just got around to showcasing their sound on record, which is fair enough when you consider how many projects this four piece juggle between them (six for vocalist Jonny alone). Unlike many of the aforementioned side projects offering a more straight up, death metal approach, Vholdghast blends the influences of both Sweden’s black and death metal scene to create something fresh and full of vibes most extreme metal fans can get into.
From the beginning of opener and title track, ‘Låt oss förbrinna’ showcases its bizarre blend of all things extreme, with the riffs akin to the kookiness of Strapping Young Lad dissected with brutal death metal growls that is quickly interrupted with the speed and melody of a usual black metal guitar section. Similar to many blackened death bands currently on the scene, Vholdghast’s vocal duo share both the death metal growls and black metal rasps that assist the album along. It becomes apparent the band may have taken longer releasing the record due to a perfectionist approach to production that allows every instrument to flourish in all its furious glory.
‘False Divination’ offers a slow but sturdy chug similar to the likes of Behemoth, whilst ‘The End of Existence’ sticks to the simple pleasures of death metal stylings. The symphonic moments are subtle avoiding the cheesiness of bands such as Fleshgod Apocalypse but again creates further layering and atmosphere that promise Vholdghast to be a presence to watch out for this year and beyond.
(7/10 Lily Randall)
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