Metalcatto
Black Metal. I know, nobody is excited about it—especially when we have just five tracks here, like it’s going to hit us with three riffs for forty-five minutes, right? There’s no light at the end of the tunnel. Well, it’s true that there’s no hope. However, Windswept is trying to propose something more interesting than just a few half-baked ideas. A Sign of the Cloven Hoof should be as pagan as it sounds. Let me tell you something, then.
Well, kind of. Sure, it sounds like we’re getting introduced to some diabolical ritual and all that—you know, black magic and all the stuff that keeps us from believing in nothing. A Sign is a long and brutal journey, but an entertaining one. So those of you worried that this is going to sound like a factory, do not despair, because there are tons of ideas here that go beyond just mere blastbeats, goat screams, and white noise. It might not be the Icelandic school, but it does offer a lot of evil and darkness—and all the edgy things you came for.
There are only five tracks here, and though that should be terrifying for some, they’re all pretty well balanced. If anything, they could all blend into one horrifying and godless track. So your patience doesn’t need to be endless—you could actually chill while listening to this. Assuming you’re as disturbed as the rest of us to even contemplate heavy stuff as relaxing. Anyway, the bulk of the album’s momentum falls upon the guitar work, which has a solid and even memorable performance here. Okay, time to squeal.
A Sign is interesting indeed and doesn’t suffer from a lot of the issues albums like this usually have. But I do feel there could be more poignant possibilities here. As it is, it doesn’t stick in my head like, for example, something from Svartidaudi would, or even more Folk acts like Saor. Perhaps there are too many similarities between all the tracks. So even if it’s enjoyable, the album could have tried a few more disruptive concepts to stick harder in our memories.
Overall, this is a good performance. I know I’m making this sound like sports, but in a way, playing Metal has become so physical that the analogy makes sense, okay. Either way, for those of you who want creepy and endless Black Metal, Windswept has created something immoral for you. But if you like things more to the point or want real insanity, then keep holding your breath until you pass out. The album has its moments, but it won’t convert anyone who’s not already a fan of the style. For the faithful, though, it’s a solid addition to the collection—not a masterpiece, but a worthy listen for a dark night when you want to feel the cold wind of the north without leaving your room. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
Label: Primitive Reaction
Release date: September 25th, 2026
Website: https://primitivereaction.bandcamp.com/
Country: Ukraine
Score: 3.3/5.0
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