Two black metal bands from the forested region of the Netherlands have joined together for this split. “De Oord” refers to a region where two rivers meet, in this case the Rhine and the Waal.

With references to rivers and forests, I expected a bleak and heathen affair. This indeed is what comes out of the contribution from Fluisteraars, a seasoned band with two full albums and other works to its name. Growly and bleak, “Oeverloos” takes us on a harsh journey through the forest. Greyness peers through its impressive ferocity. The instrumental power is unwavering as this fourteen minute explodes in majesty. I greatly appreciated the fact that we are allowed to wallow in this lofty scene. Slowing down as if the wind has calmed, we get our breath back before we are taken melancholically in continued measured fashion through dark stormy lands to the accompaniment of a sinister angelic chorus. “Oeverloos” is very convincing. (9/10)

“An den Golven der Aarde Geofferd”, the track by Turia, is altogether more violent. The Burzumesque screaming and merciless hammering present a different face from Fluisteraars’s “Oeverloos”. Where that absorbed us into the soil and the deceivingly calmness of the dark forest, this one is an urgent call for action. It is a harsh and unrelenting assault, controlled in that this is clearly Turia’s plan, but dangerous and even anarchic in its predilection for fury over form. The battle is on. “A harrowing voyage into the depths beneath” is how it is described. It does tone down after 9 minutes or so, but you sense there’s more danger on the horizon. After an uncomfortable minute or two, the tension rises again and we’re back in heart attack country for more drum thrashings, dramatic and sinister guitar lines and desperate cries. It then takes a deeper and almost symphonic twist, whist is turned skilfully into a kind of post metal melancholy and reflection, leading us into a quieter and wintry wonderland of a final section. (7.5/10)

I didn’t connect so much to the pattern of “An den Golven der Aarde Geofferd”, at whose heart is the violence, but which deviates into a number of interesting avenues. Whilst I appreciated Turia’s experimentation, it was Fluisteraars who made the more lasting impression on me.

(8.5/10 Andrew Doherty)

https://www.facebook.com/Fluisteraars

https://montturia.bandcamp.com