Given the sheer breadth of what black metal can be and has always been, it’s no surprise to see many still clinging to the old school veins of what black metal originally sprouted from. Constantly are we seeing bands seeking to bring their own twist and personal innovations to the mix, quickly enabling their efforts to stand out in a sound that can all too easily feel oversaturated with more of the same. As such, when names come around that make the collective scene raise eyebrows in interest, quickly are we made to note it and make such a performance known far and wide. Such is what is still happening with the arrival of the latest work from Iron Firmament, and rightfully so.

Immediately, that cover is striking! The sort of thing that truly captures your imagination and utterly begs you to dive further in as the colors, themes, and general composition do not immediately scream to be the sort of thing that would be a good representation of black metal, but it’s here throughout the entirety of “In the Land of Pre-Human Kings” that Iron Firmament makes it work to dramatic effect. Fittingly, it’s in this creation that Iron Firmament does far more than deliver black metal of a sort that’s strictly what many would expect from a band channeling those old veins of the sound. Rather, it’s here that Iron Firmament offers something that is undeniably their own. Overflowing with scathing riffs that take numerous pages right out of the old school teachings, these six tracks pull from all sorts of outside influences to make this performance as unexpectedly gorgeous as it is uncompromising in its artistic vision to bring forth black metal that pays great heed to what has come before while always carving a path for itself. Iron Firmament has accomplished what many have strived for, something that extremely few able to throw down. Despite having only been releasing material for three years, it’s obvious that this duo is anything but one that fumbles in the dark hoping to land on something interesting. Rather, it’s with one masterful step after another that “In the Land of Pre-Human Kings” was built brick by brick with deep knowledge, undeniable talent, and a clear vision driving this performance to become a bastion for what the sound can still be when put in the hands of those who dare.

To become lost within this vast creation is to find yourself teleported into a fantastical land where it seems as though truly anything is possible. Whatever it was that Iron Firmament sought to execute with this creation, I cannot help but feel as though they have succeeded wildly in all aspects. “In the Land of Pre-Human Kings” is nothing if not an oddity for what many might expect from black metal, yet it demands to be made clear that this is a creation that adheres to the foundational pillars of the genre while always ensuring the unique vision of Iron Firmament isn’t compromised for so much as a second. Brought together for an engaging performance that never once holds anything back, this is an effort with a lasting effect that is sure to last for quite some time.

LISTEN to “In the Land of Pre-Human Kings” on Bandcamp here.