It ought to go without saying at this point that metal as a whole has seen loads of people coming around with tons of supposed innovation, but it’s not terribly often that we get a work that actually delivers on such a concept. Without going into the experimental and exceptionally progressive, a wave of fresh splendor in metal is something that comes down to the raw talent of the musicians at hand, and it’s even then that many things have to take place before we get something that’s well and truly worthy of more than just the raise of an eyebrow. Throughout its fourth album, Slagmaur pulls off just enough to do more than leave just the impression of tapping into something of that sort.

For all that it can bring to the table, black metal is a very cyclical sound for better or for worse. We get throngs of releases that don’t offer much in the way of something new even if plenty are done well then we’ll get maybe a handful of releases that really shake things up and cause a stir for one reason or another, and then that circle is performed over and over ad nauseum for as long as we can remember. As exhausting as that can feel, it’s the nature of the underground given how vast and deep it is, yet I would argue that it’s worth it should we get bands like Slagmaur and performances like “Hulders Ritual”. It must be made clear that this is not a performance that sought to radically change the way that black metal is thrown down. However, in no way did that stop Slagmaur from crafting something that was destined to be its own creation that builds off the foundational roots of the genre with its own flavors, notions, and personality that constantly and consistently sets the effort apart from a vast swathe of the competition. “Hulders Ritual” may not be the work that revolutionizes black metal nor is it something that’s likely to make Slagmaur a household name, but it’s in every step along the way that this album grows and evolves in such a way that’s no less than fascinating to watch unfold. Riffs, atmosphere, rituals, and intensity; “Hulders Ritual” practically has it all!

When an act has been around as long as Slagmaur, it’s only natural to assume that plenty of exploration and innovation would occur during such a long run, but it still requires more than a little bit of talent and finesse to bring it all to life in such a way that’s as compelling as it is fulfilling in its potential. It’s been almost nine full years since the last full-length outing, yet it’s with every given inch of “Hulders Ritual” that Slagmaur delivers what incredibly few others can.

“Hulders Ritual” releases on February 27th via Prophecy Productions!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “Hulders Ritual” on Bandcamp here.

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