This Norwegian band is likely to get a lot of attention because of the band members within it. With such luminaries as Frost (Satyricon) and Anders Odden (Cadaver) the pedigree of the band is in no doubt. Ulvehunger blends the harsh frostiness of black metal with the density of pulverising death metal set against a clinically savage yet organic production. ‘Desecrator’ kicks things off and thrusts the listener into stripped back blackened ferocity tempered by throaty harsh vocals and Frost’s inimitable drumming style. The opener is catchy with a myriad of changes within its short duration as ‘Sacrifice’ follows and unleashes an awesome riff with cymbal smashes paving the way for the blasting annihilation that follows. Frost’s drum work is superb here, his deft touches add massive amounts of charisma to the song as the caustic vocals infect the song with hostility.

‘Leave Them In Disgrace’ is much denser, heavier to a degree as the double kick onslaught is catchy right before the blast juts in. There are similarities to mid-era Satyricon in places but these songs are much heavier as the tune switches into a prolonged lead break. I especially liked the chanting vocal by L.J. Balvaz as it possesses a slight Carpathian Forest drawl to it. This leads me into the final band member here K.B. Fletcher of Disgusting and his twisted guitar work adding deluges of persona.

‘Consumed By Hate’ is another melodic tune, the start-stop riff style channels the song into a fine hook and riff change. The awesome punctuated riff change is followed by a detonation in speed as the vocals transform into a demented tirade. The track is loaded with riff deviations all of which are supremely catchy and fans of Satyricon will certainly enjoy what is on offer here. ‘Castle Of Blood’ has a superb riff to start it, it is one of those hooks you can really delve into as the croaky vocals position the song in slower realms yet teeming with hostility. Every song is inundated with changes, be it riff changes, hook adornments or just the way the band allows each song to unfold naturally as this one certainly does especially with the excellent piercing guitar hook that punctures the mix.

Slowing down is ‘Forces Of Doom’, my favourite track on the album, as the song wields a very cool riff that drops into a riff break and cymbal smash to signal the escalation in pace to blast beat speed. Truly aggressive yet instilled with melodicism the song grabs hold of you and doesn’t relent. ‘Rise From The Shadows’ had me scrawling down Celtic Frost because of its initial riff and whilst it is quickly absorbed into the fabric of the song, it leaves sonic echoes as the song picks up the speed and becomes a black thrash mauling in some respects.

The album closes with the doublet of ‘The Mighty Pentagram’ and ‘The Covenant Of Pestilence’ where the former is typical of what this album offers, intense potent guitar riffing that is quirky in some respects yet bolstered by unerring warp speed velocities by Frost. The concluding tune is longer and far more atmospheric, its eerie riff opening is sleazy right before the explosive change in speed. I especially liked the alternation of blasted segments with more restrained sections as the track conjures up an epic stature due to its continually morphing dynamics.

A supremely good album by Ulvehunger, one for fans of true Norwegian black metal to absorb and rekindle their love for the genre.

(9/10 Martin Harris)

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