A well-crafted work is something that defy even the most overused concepts and expectations. It doesn’t require much more than the knowledge of what to do and when, but that’s oftentimes something that even the most veteran of musicians in the dense metal underground can fail to ascertain for any number of reasons. With styles that have been well-established for decades now, it can be commonplace to feel as though a straightforward effort is bland or uninspired. Yet, the right moves make all the difference. Throughout their second album, Aldherote showcase that concept with masterful results.

There’s something about old school black metal played straight that just hits differently when it isn’t trying to really be anything in particular. When such a creation simply is, it takes on an air that feels supreme to many others that actively seek out a particular flavor or channeling a specific wave of black metal from the multitudes that we’ve seen before. When the right pieces of the puzzle are laid down in a seemingly natural formation, a snowball effect can occur so long as the band in question knows what they’re doing. For everything that they’ve delivered in the seven tracks of “The Wild Divine”, it ought to be obvious at practically every given turn that Aldheorte knew all the right steps to take. Nothing but confidence and intent in each massive stride forward as the album triumphantly progresses one minute after another, this is quickly made to be a showcasing of black metal that’s impeccably done and undeniably fascinating to watch unfold. By no means whatsoever does “The Wild Divine” seek to deviate from the orthodox routes that black metal carved out for itself long ago, and it’s in reveling amongst the building blocks of the genre that Aldheorte excels where many others might wander aimlessly.

In revering the sound deeply while never once allowing themselves to become straight-up copies of their predecessors, it’s in their second album that Aldheorte makes themselves known as a presence of uncompromising black metal that’s as clear-sighted as it is deadly effective. Black metal as it can still be in the right hands, “The Wild Divine” offers nothing but glory and prowess for the entire genre.

“The Wild Divine” releases on March 6th via Solistitium Records!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “The Wild Divine” on Bandcamp here.

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