In 2020, I reviewed a split with three outstanding windswept and atmospheric pieces from Vuur & Zijde. Such, I guess, was the maturity of it that I had the mistaken idea that thought they’d released more than that. They hadn’t, and now they are releasing “Boezem” (Bosom), their first album. I guess part of the reason for me thinking they are omnipresent is because the connections of their band members which read like a who’s who of creative and dark atmospheric metal from the Netherlands, including representatives from Laster, Grey Aura, Terzij de Horde, Nusquama, Witte Wieven and many others. But aside from these names, that initial snapshot told me that Vuur & Zijde had something special to offer, and of course it was my hope that this album was going to make a similar impression.
“Ondermind” (Unmindful) was released as a single and opens the album. It has a lighter and more melodic touch than I remembered of this band, and springs along very nicely with the accompaniment of Famke’s haunting vocals. What didn’t surprise me was the impressive build-up. An instrumental storm is whipped up, the tempo increases and the song is full of dark, expanding power. This is exciting. The drummer then provides a firm lead to “Zusterzon” (Sister Sun), another single. The beat has a black metal edge. The grainy and heavy guitar adds dark atmosphere, and so with the dusky vocals we have a super-rich mix. “Zusterzon” moves along well and like “Ondermind” is listener-friendly. I’ll stick my neck out here and describe it as a heavy melo-gothic answer to The Gathering. The sultry mood recalled Swallow the Sun too, I thought. By “Us”, Vuur & Zijde are threatening to overwhelm us with the rich, dark soundscape with mists emanating from the vocals and the breadth and deep expression of the instrumentals. The menace is palpable. The distorted sounds marking “Us”’s protracted ending as those of nightmares. Like a true piece of art, a lot of thought has evidently gone into these creations.
The ringing melodic rhythm of “Omheind” (Enclosed) takes us forward. Again it is lively and irresistible in its beat and energy. Famke provides that haunting edge on vocals with the aid of an echoing effect. Now “Kuier” (Stroll) has a dark, shadowy progression. Sinister spoken vocals accompany it. I guess the stroll or saunter of the song title is reflected in the regular, repetitive pattern of the guitar. “II” starts in deliberate and murky fashion. Moving forward like a procession, it is deeper than “Kuier”. The high vocals come from above the thickened clouds. As ever, Vuur & Zijde have created a subtle mélange of sound, and a big, misty atmosphere. The tempo ramps us again for the powerful onslaught of “Nest”. Famke’s vocals reminded me in passing at this point of Debbie Harry, but what was captivating me most of all was this song. It’s spooky, quirky and delightfully bordering on the insane. Instrumentally it is dark and heavy. “Nest” is laced with invention, energy and even charm although I concede that it’s a twisted form of charm. The punchy beat continues into “Atem” (Breath), another upbeat humdinger of a song which bowls along while giving the counter impression that the room is cold and there are ghosts around. It’s edgy yet there is such clarity and such invention. I felt happy listening to it, although I suspect the subject matter of the album which I understand is around the theme of love is probably not so bright and sparkly. In any case darkness is never far away even if it’s enveloped at times in high energy or at other times in shoegazing mistiness. “Naakt” (Naked) sets out with a darkly powerful beat. The guitar rings. The overall sound is expansive. Famke’s haunting and lofty voice adds magic and mystery as if she is calling to a higher place. The instrumentals input solemn majesty and edginess. We are up there in the heavens with Vuur & Zijde on this one. Vuur & Zijde translates as “fire and silk” – this is what we have here, but it’s all blended in a measured and magnificent way. “Naakt” is a breath-taking song with which to finish this remarkable album.
I really can’t praise the creativity of this album or the protagonists highly enough. Vuur & Zijde is an outstanding band. We are taken through heavy terrain, we dance, we dream. All the while our senses are treated to a kaleidoscope of epic, ghostly and lofty visions. They call it post-black metal with elements of shoegaze but I don’t care what it’s called. “Boezem” simply blew me away with its mesmerising energy, tantalising ideas and deep atmospheres.
(9.5/10 Andrew Doherty)
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