If something isn’t broke, why try to fix it? That’s a mindset that many have in regard to what black metal has been in recent times with the sound a wonderful array of approaches and concepts brought forth to diversify the style into one of the most engaging and unique soundscapes that the whole of metal has to offer. Given that, it’s only natural that there has always been a wide movement to preserve what the genre accomplished in its earliest years. As you might expect, success in that approach varies greatly from one band to the next. For some, however, it comes as natural as breathing. With their latest EP, Iku-Turso only further cements its reign as a name that is not to be underestimated in that regard.

I can only imagine that it’s quite tempting to bring something great and new to the table when you’ve already proven yourself many times over as an act that can deliver your particular sound over and over again, but there is always something to be said for remaining tremendously consistent and focused in your pursuit to bring about material that is the definition of true to its inspirations. Not for nothing, Iku-Turso has built a tremendous reputation for being quite diverse and undeniably effective in its deliverance of what black metal can be when given the proper reverence and attention in order to give justice to what came before while always making damn sure not to put forth something that feels recycled or lazy. Within the five tracks of “Wolfheart”, we see that trend continued brilliantly. Even taking into consideration the tasteful Emperor cover, “Wolfheart” is Iku-Turso as fresh and invigorating as they’ve always been. Working in plenty of focused melody alongside that raw black metal aggression that the old school has become partly known for, Iku-Turso further expands their repertoire of scathing blasphemy to offer us a dark experience that doesn’t just tap into what the sound can still be but fully plunges the listener into a midwinter twilight the likes of which only masters can summon. It’s relatively simple but nonetheless lethally effective at what it aspires.

A half-hour offensive that shows off a viciously authentic performance of black metal that is not to be underestimated nor denied for all that it is from top to bottom, this is Iku-Turso in top form. Uncompromising in the vision of the style and always perpetuating their own grandeur that this band has been throwing down for years now, “Wolfheart” packs a lot of punch in a relatively compact package.

“Wolfheart” releases on June 6th via Purity Through Fire!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Wolfheart” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Iku-Turso on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Iku-Turso on Instagram here.