Here we go again! It’s one of my reviewer’s favorite niches—German Black Metal—which, according to them, has become synonymous with quality. (Honestly, I think that applies more to German Post/Black, but I’m being a snob.) Anyway, Urfeind is a band that attempts to represent this harrowing and deranged Black Metal school of thought with pride. Dauþalaikaz is an album with that kind of attitude and art. It takes itself seriously, and the real question is if we, the plebs, can take it seriously too.
And yes, this album is serious. As in, there’s not a moment of sensitivity or weakness. It’s a wave of darkness that engulfs you with its hypnotic riffing and simple but effective melodic lines. I also appreciate that Dauþalaikaz isn’t afraid to stay at mid-speed for more than a minute, letting the atmosphere swallow you whole. It really feels ghostly. However, I’ve heard this before. Urfeind is a more malicious, though less aggressive, version of what Spectral Wound went for last year. There’s more patience and less frantic bashing.
There’s also more rawness to its sound. I like that there’s a balance in the production. It’s neither too polished nor too muddy most of the time. It has just the right amount of dirt to still feel like an underground gem. I’m just glad it’s not too loud (Gaerea might establish its own school of loudness soon!). So, what are my issues with the album? If I had any, of course! You know me—I’ll honor the German readers and bands by complaining and nitpicking as you do every day.
First of all, Urfeind has tons of potential; I can’t trick you into believing the opposite. But I firmly believe most of the tracks on this album could benefit from some editing. Especially when they’re hitting the five-minute mark, they feel as if they’ve already said what they needed to say, and now we’re getting another round of repetition that made me, at times, get lost in the moment. Perhaps that’s the point, but I think the band should either take a more Prog route or cut things down. Those are my two cents—now don’t kill me!
I still think Dauþalaikaz has a fascinating approach that does its best to avoid abusing some of the most common tropes in Black Metal. I’ll keep my eye out for these guys. They know how to throw a few punches, and I’m always willing to throw down with a worthy band. It’s like an ocean on fire in the middle of the night—did that make sense? Probably not, but it certainly sounds poetic! See you next time!
Label: Nine to Zero
Release date: January 10, 2025
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Urfeind/
Country: Germany
Score: Many spirits from the sea, or 3.5/5.0? I need more time!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 