Veilburner – Longing for Triumph, Reeking of Tragedy

Metalcatto

It hasn’t even been a year since SonikGoat gave Veilburner a crazy score for The Duality of Decapitation and Wisdom. It was indeed a creative effort that showed how Veilburner remains one of the most unique bands out there. I’ve been following the band for a few years now, and despite even owning some of its albums, I’ve always believed it could achieve perfection. That said, consistency isn’t even a question at this point. We know exactly what we’re getting — interdimensional evil music — when these guys are in charge of Longing for Triumph, Reeking of Tragedy. So sit back and prepare yourself for dissonance!

Yes, Longing is as bizarre and uncomfortable as anything the band has made before. However, its signature tight and almost reductionist writing style is still present. This is the most Akercocke the band has ever sounded — and I mean Antichrist-level dirt and paganism. Sure, the vocals recall the old days of that other excellent band, but Veilburner stays so busy and mysterious across all the tracks that it’s impressive how it manages to remain creative with such a short gap between releases.

Even when Longing gets incredibly murky and weird, it’s impossible to deny Veilburner’s versatility and willingness to explore new ground. You’re never quite sure where the next track is going to take you — aside from somewhere disturbing and depraved, which is exactly what we’re all here for anyway. Don’t even bother asking what subgenre this album fits into. Death, Black, Prog, or Avant-Garde — the band keeps mutating between them all without hesitation. The guitar solos, in particular, are fascinating; they sound like they belong in a much calmer album, yet somehow fit perfectly within these twisted tracks.

There are a few points I’ll take issue with, though. The album is long — really long. Each track feels like a descent into the deranged mind of some Lovecraftian creature, and that can take a toll on your patience and overall will to live. Personally, I think I’ve learned to accept that Veilburner loves its malevolent spoken parts, even if they make me chuckle from time to time. Your final question is probably: “How much like Duality is this thing?” Well, quite a lot — but it still has its own horrors waiting to be discovered.

So, if you loved the band’s last release, if you miss Akercocke and Blut Aus Nord, or if you just want to know what it feels like to be swallowed by an interdimensional vortex and spat out without legs or arms — forced to drag what’s left of yourself toward the nearest cliff to end your misery — then Longing is the album you must check out before the year ends. Once again, it seems we won’t be able to ignore Veilburner this year… but I’m sure the band doesn’t mind.

Label: Transcending Obscurity

Release date: 14 November 2025

Website: https://www.facebook.com/veilburner

Country: USA

Score: 4.0/5.0