Metalcatto
It’s not long since we reviewed Verses in Oath—an album that could easily top the 10 of that year. Hence, the chances of Verbolgen being Hulder‘s next perfect album are next to none. That doesn’t mean we’re just going to give up, even if that means reviewing this thing a few days later. You don’t care—you want someone to either fight with or to validate your lonely feelings. Let’s go.
In a way, Verbolgen is consistent with everything Hulder has shown before. This project might be from Washington, but it sounds more Dutch than my Dutch friend asking me to pay for the leftovers he “shared” with me. Anyway, the album is deep, dark, and makes you feel like you’re lost in the saddest forest you could find in November. That’s nothing new with how Hulder is showing us this. It’s consistent with what the band has been doing over the last few years. The sense of mystery remains intact here, and the atmosphere is as thick as ever—cold, foggy, and utterly immersive.
Yet everything feels slightly more traditional and less Folk. Sure, there are a few synth details here and there, but the profound Black Metal riffing almost made me feel like I was listening to a Wolves in the Throne Room album. The vocals are as dark and harsh as usual. They fit the music perfectly. Nothing is done in excess here. There’s balance in the execution, even if I have a few comments to make that might be less flattering. Let’s get to the horrifying part.
Well, if you liked Verses in Oath, you’ll dig this for sure. I enjoyed it more than expected. However, the bastard reviewer in me that craves novelty is a bit let down. There’s not much new here—it could be called Verses in Oath 2.0 and nobody would get annoyed. It’s Black Metal executed with great prowess and depth, but the band is sticking to what works instead of taking risks. The songwriting is solid, the riffs are sharp, and the atmosphere is undeniable, but the sense of discovery that made previous releases so gripping is largely absent.
So if you’re a filthy pagan from the woods who knows no shower, you shouldn’t hesitate to return to Hulder this time. It’s consistent and evokes all the scenarios you expect from your Black Metal from the woods. However, the novelty factor is mostly gone. I hope that gives you a good picture. Whatever—you’re going to eat this up like hashish brownies with or without my opinion anyway.
Label: 20 Buck Spin
Release date: August 7th, 2026
Website: https://hulder.bandcamp.com/album/verbolgen
Country: USA
Score: 3.7/5.0
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