The sheer potential that’s constantly lurking under the surface of the modern state of atmospheric black metal is something that just cannot be denied. While it can be argued that the sound is woefully overpopulated for one reason or another, there’s not many reasons that one can ignore the massive talent that’s constantly ready to burst forth and show the world what they’re made out of with only the finest able to come forth and deliver in a way that feels captivating and satisfying. Already, 2025 has been immeasurably bountiful when it comes to high quality in this sound. Even then, there’s more to be had and more to be fawned over. With all that they delivered with their third effort, Firienholt delivers on every possible level.

It can be all too easy for a band to find itself steeped in the same sonic or thematic territory simply because it can feel familiar or the prospect of grappling onto something different can certainly be intimidating for all sorts of reasons, yet those that are able to rise above that roadblock and be able to come into any sort of new territory with aptitude and grace is something that is downright intoxicating to bear witness to. Like many others, Firienholt got its start in the rich world of Tolkien but it’s slowly that we’ve seen the act explore other worlds and realms that are always begging for exploration with the five tracks of “Night Eternal” showcasing in spades as what can certainly be argued as the band’s most captivating performance yet. Darkly enchanting and beyond captivating for its atmospheres, emotions, and hypnotic rhythms that are all brought together in spectacular form, “Night Eternal” is the sort of atmospheric black metal that actually feels epic and manages to hold real magic between its notes where the old world is given life once more and the boundaries of fantasy and reality are greatly blurred to really open the possibilities of what this band can be when it just really goes for it. The result is a release that does far more than simply try something new. Rather, Firienholt demonstrates what it means to embody change and become something else almost entirely to demonstrate an understanding and mastery of your craft that few can ever hope to come close to. Through great passion and an extreme attention to detail, it’s the whole of “Night Eternal” that doesn’t just give the listener an escape into a new realm but a supremely rich world that has so much to offer should the listener simply take the hand and be pulled somewhere they never expected.

Already, we have been inundated with undeniable greatness with what any sort of atmospheric black metal has to offer in 2025 with acts like Lazer Throne, Labyrinthus Stellarum, Vauruva, and Sammale showing us so much of what can still be done, and to see Firienholt show us what they can be is a real treat from beginning to end. Nigh on epic in scope and undeniable in its power, there is real magnificence to be had in each moment of “Night Eternal” with the future truly for the taking of Firienholt. They need only to clench their fists and seize the opportunity.

LISTEN to “Night Eternal” on Bandcamp here.

Firienholt does not have any sort of social media that I could find so follow Firienholt on Bandcamp here to stay up to date on the band’s activities.