After an uncertain amount of time, change is inevitable with any band and its sound. It could easily go in either direction depending upon the mindset of the band and its members, but it’s almost always guaranteed that such a thing will transpire whether it be out of the simple desire to do something even a little different or to just keep listeners guessing. Vanum’s career has been relatively short up to this point with their debut coming out but seven years ago, but it’s in that time in which they’ve become a true name to know in the underground. I don’t think those of us who’ve known the band that long had any doubts that their third album would be a real sight to behold, but those expectations don’t hold a candle whatsoever to the reality of “Legend”.

Vanum’s particular brand of black metal has never been anything to ignore as it has done immense justice for that specific vein of the style as they’ve taken it to new legends with fresh passion to really show us not only that there’s still excellence to be had out of that very sound, but in every way is Vanum a name that demands respect. While it was their last album, “Ageless Fire”, that justifiably brought a ton of attention to the band even after a stellar debut, it has got to be with “Legend” that Vanum has crafted something that should be hailed as noteworthy in its smallest moments and career-defining in its entirety. Vanum absolutely could’ve kept their sound going in the same direction of black metal that they’ve followed since day one, but it is with a surprising infusion that feels straight from the classic days of heavy metal that we see the five tracks and 46 minutes of “Legend” take on a life that I don’t think many of us could’ve predicted. From passages of deep, colorful atmospheres to calculated black metal of which is the most tempered and focus that we’ve seen from this band to date, the very whole of this album is nothing to look down upon for I cannot help but see this creation as one of the most compelling pieces of black metal in this particular vein that I’ve come across in far too long with the credentials of the band doing absolute volumes of justice for the record to really elevate the effort to become destined to be hailed as one of the year’s greatest in my eyes.

Many would say that Vanum had nothing to prove after “Ageless Fire”, but with all that was delivered for this performance, it really does feel as though Vanum was striving to do just that. Whatever it was that they were going for, I have nothing but confidence when I declare that they met their mysterious goal splendidly! There isn’t a single possible aspect of “Legend” that I would ever dare change out of fear of tainting the sheer mastery that is on full display here, and I can only hope to see many of you at the end of the year to join me in recalling the true wonder that Vanum has laid forth with what should only be considered their magnum opus thus far.

LISTEN to “Legend” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Vanum on Facebook here.