Every new year tends to have a handful of tentpole releases that enable the year to ring in with a strong presence out of the underground, and it was already the case that we knew 2026 would be no different. Thanks to the talent of Fossilization and Ectovoid (just to name two), it was cemented that this year was already off to a strong start thanks to the perseverance and unrelenting talent that these names have to offer. Yet, there’s always room for more! Five years since its last outing, Fuath’s return is as prophetic as it is welcome with atmospheric black metal that only further cements the band’s status as one of the genre’s finest.

It’s quite a feat to remain consistent in your craft when you’re releasing only one album every five years, but the mastermind behind Fuath is anything but your typical denizen of the underground with a quick search being more than enough proof that one should need as to the caliber of talent that the name has long been defined by. After some point, it would be understandable for an act like Fuath which is significantly steeped in the leanings and core notions of what atmospheric black metal has embodied in its best moments, but that’s not what’s happened here with “III”. If nothing else, Fuath has doubled down on what made it a sensation in the first place and simply stayed the course. Remaining expansive it its vast horizons blessed by starlight and touching upon mythology in such a scathing form that only black metal could ever hope to bring to the table in such an aggressive yet satisfying form, “III” asks you to stop along your long journey, listen to some tales, and be absolutely riveted by the work’s awesome power and contrasting elements that come together for a magnificent ride. Fuath doesn’t seek to reinvent itself nor the genre, and it’s in knowing itself to a tremendous extent that you become utterly enchanted by this work whether you’re aware of it or not.

The fire flickers across the woods blanketed in snow, and the cold claws at your flesh as Fuath’s immensity works wonders for every one of your senses. It’s atmospheric black metal in some of its most refined forms, confident in every stride it makes and unyielding in its many forms of power. Fuath is a name we’ve done well to respect for years now, and “III” makes damn sure that we continue to do so.

LISTEN to “III” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Fuath on Facebook here.

FOLLOW Fuath on Instagram here.