WOLVES DEN
Deus Vult
Independent
On their debut CD this German band proves with little effort that black metal can retain its radio unfriendly bite. At the risk of writing fluff if some prominent underground label picks them up, it will contribute to our industry keeping its self-sustaining activity, not needing mass exposure from mainstream labels. Deus Vult is a balance of atmosphere, melody and extremity that again observes the essence and presence of 90s BM when bands had an unlimited canvas to paint at their own leisure. As with other albums that do the same, it’s akin to stumbling onto a rare, ancient treasure, a huge vault of wonders that hadn’t been unearthed for millennia. The introduction listed below is a well-suited foretoken of what is to proceed from it. The album’s most commanding expression before getting started is the slicing guitar sound introducing Gedeih und Verderb; then the blast beats and vocals enter the picture with a storm of acerbity kindred to classic Mayhem and Marduk with underlying keyboards comparable to Emperor. I’m making basic comparisons here and I am aware that few bands can come close to the seasoned intensity of those bands. But as for me I perceive the same spirit from this band. I can also hear some Amon Amarth every so often. The atmosphere imparted by the keys is just enough to bestow a sinister undertone to the album’s unblunted quality without overstatement. There is one section in Schwarzes Firmament where this approach is especially effective. It’s a slower break in the middle starting with a hypnotic guitar progression that heightens in tension until heading into a faster velocity. By the way Wolves Den filmed a live video of this song, recorded at the 2015 Dark Easter Metal Meeting in Munich, Germany; it can be viewed at the band’s Youtube profile. You can see the crowd almost mesmerized by their performance; also the band members are not in corpsepaint as they prefer to allow their musicianship to be their visuals. The title track compounds on the album’s previously created effects with some chanting reminiscent of the Omen soundtrack. Other standout tracks on Deus Vult include Dysterborn and Sieche with acoustic guitar sections adding a mystical feel to the material. The album has been available on CD and digital format since 2015. The band’s Facebook page has merch, video and show information. -Dave Wolff
Track list:
1. Via Iustorum (Intro)
2. Gedeih und Verderb
3. Schwarzes Firmament
4. Deus Vult
5. Grau Wird Nebel
6. Dysterborn
7. Sieche
8. Vobiscum
9. Mortis
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