At any given moment, the underground is always ready for the arrival of a new name in black metal that can really inject some life into the sound no matter what the approach may be. Whether it be a straightforward onslaught of blasphemous riffs or a galivanting journey through fantastical realms, a fresh name with real talent and vision can be the difference that many need when it comes to simply become enchanted by the sound all over again. Tonight, I knew not what I was getting into, but it’s from taking inspiration right from the pages of Tolkien as many before have done that Bloody Valkyria comes around with a debut that is precisely what many of us have been dying for.

Given much of what has come before across much of the metal spectrum but black metal in particular, infusing the work of Tolkien into any album isn’t really a fresh idea anymore with there only potential in the mix if it’s put into the right hands that know precisely what they’re doing every step of the way. Take but a few minutes into the debut of Bloody Valkyria and you’ll immediately come to realize that the mastermind behind the act has just the hands for the task. Taking clear inspiration from the Fall of Gonodolin, it’s been far too long since Tolkien has seen as much justice to his work in black metal as what is seen throughout the entirety of “Kingdom in Fire”. A truly sprawling creation that sees Bloody Valkyria showing us its vast capabilities right out of the gate without a shred of remorse or moderation, this is melodic black metal taken to such lengths with the backdrop and themes to match that one simply cannot help but become utterly captivating by the material at hand. With giant fire demons and marching armies upon the white walls of a long secreted city in the mountains, Bloody Valkyria knew how to start things off on a massive note with the black metal no less than exquisite and execute in pristine fashion to match everything surrounding it. A work that takes into account everything that has ever made a work like this such a sight to behold, “Kingdom in Fire” is a clear victory right from the very beginning.

While there is little that can be questioned when it comes to the raw talent of the Finnish black metal scene, it’s not nearly often enough that we see a band rise to the occasion and deliver something that is a damn good tip to lose yourself in. The horizon burns with the strength of the wicked and the innocence of peace is left in tatters as Bloody Valkyria does no less than dominate at every possible turn for the whole of “Kingdom in Fire”.

“Kingdom in Fire” releases on September 6th via Northern Silence Productions!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Kingdom in Fire” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Bloody Valkyria on Facebook here.