So far, this has been a decent year for epic Black Metal quests, especially those that mix things up with Folk music. However, we haven’t seen much retro-Black Metal yet—and I mean it more in the Swedish sense of the word. Enter Ofnus with its second album, Valediction. Hailing from the land of dragons and sheep (Wales), the band still carries a Scandinavian feel to its madness. But is there enough depth and grandeur here to stand out from the endless pile of Black Metal that floods my inbox every day? Let’s find out, kids!
Well, yes—Valediction is kind of majestic and carries that old-school Dissection vibe that has defined this style for ages. Instead of the typical obsession with nature, there’s a touch of mysticism here. It’s as if Ofnus is taking us to a magical land full of mysteries, sorrow, and beautiful darkness. Did I just say this is pretty Black Metal? Maybe. Between all the tremolo-picking and blast beats, there’s a real effort to paint intricate images with this music. The band strives to say more than just the usual “taka-taka, blurr-blurr!”—even if it’s not immediately evident on the first listen.
The strength of Valediction lies in taking common elements within the Black Metal creed and giving them subtle twists, making the album emotionally rewarding. Yes, that’s how I’d describe it—it just feels right. It uses its tools with a degree of subtlety, which I know sounds ridiculous because this is extreme Metal, but those of you who’ve spent enough time in the pressure cooker will understand what I’m talking about. Plus, the synth work here is a standout. It adds so much depth and personality to what could otherwise sound like average Atmospheric Black Metal, elevating it to the epic approach it aims for.
Either they’re really tiny or the castle is really big.
And yet, there are things to consider when it comes to the future of Ofnus. Like any album in the genre, Valediction is long and layered with details that, if you lack patience or experience, might fly over your head. The production isn’t loud, but I might have preferred a slightly thicker mix—though that’s just nitpicking. If there’s any substantial criticism here, it’s that the album requires patience to fully unfold its gems, as the pacing can feel daunting at times. But perhaps I just need to listen to it even more!
If you love Atmospheric Black Metal that sounds like Aquilus without all the orchestral melodrama, then Ofnus is here to deliver a more concentrated, extreme version of it. It still carries that adventurous and mystical vibe, but with far fewer interludes—which, for many (including me), is a positive thing. Even if the album sticks to many safe places within the niche, it manages to deliver a good amount of emotion and headbanging material. What else do you edgy kids want?
Label: Naturmacht Productions
Release date: February 28, 2025
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Ofnus
Country: UK (WALES!)
Score: An ethereal 3.5/5.0 and I’ll revise it later!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 