Deep and expansive is the underground in every respect. Where some may think there would be some semblance of limitation or a point where things become finite, the underground simply keeps on going virtually without end. That’s an intimidating aspect to try and wrangle, but within those depths always lies numerous bands that will never see a great amount of coverage for one reason or another simply because there are just too many bands out there to always give five minutes of fame towards. Black metal, in particular, can suffer or thrive in obscurity depending on the band. As such, the discovery of deep cuts can often be quite rewarding. With their first release, Skalf is poising itself to be quite the interesting point in a dark abyss.

A new name coming out of the darkness and managing the task of pulling off black metal that is neither refined nor safe for the light of day is nothing new by any stretch of the imagination, but all it takes is a little bit of talent and cues in the right moments to make such acts nothing to be denied or ignored. From top to bottom, Skalf is more than befitting of that very description. There are but five tracks within their debut EP, “Vallis Decia – le voci de dispersi”, but it is in every given minute that this Italian duo accomplishes a lot more than what I was expecting and far more than what many other similar acts aren’t able to deliver even after multiple albums. Diverse, fiery, enrapturing, and downright fascinating in many instances, Skalf executes an eclectic blend of black metal that is never once content with travelling down the same path for long as we’re constantly thrown between electrifying riffs, massive dirges filled with the souls of the drowned, melodies that keep you rooted in place, ripping solos, and an understanding of black metal that feels mature and magnetic right from the beginning. “Vallis Decia” is unassuming at first as many might very well immediately place it alongside black metal destined to writhe in obscurity, yet Skalf still puts forth one hell of a performance that is hopefully the sign of greater things to come whether that be in the shadows of obscurity or in the blinding light of recognition. Either way, Skalf is a find I will not soon forget.

Recanting the tragedy of a dam breaking a century ago and washing away the lives of hundreds while all being told through the eyes of one of those who succumbed to the waters, “Vallis Decia” hits on so many levels that it’s simply fascinating to witness. Black metal can easily be given the reputation of hollow and one-dimensional this deep in the underground, yet it’s at every turn that Skalf proves to be a cut above the rest.

LISTEN to “Vallis Decia – le voci dei dispersi” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Skalf on Facebook here.