Released on: 28th March 2025
There are a list of items that Hersirs‘ debut tick on the Trve Checklist that make this release a must hear for aficionados of the black metal genre. These being– lo-fi; simple; wet; grim; necro, and totally killer. With enough aspirational melodies to make it a chilling, and almost atavistic, pastiche to the old score. Reminiscent towards the invention of the melodic side of the beast. While hailing from Sweden, neighbours to that original beast, Hersir may be a sonal mongrel but their line of descent comes from that same big bad wolf.
As an aggregate of black metals’ finest creations and times Hateful Draugir from the Underground holds its fore bearers in reverence. The riffs are no imitation but share patterns with the old guard. Where they have been sharpened to an incredible degree and inspire a new ferocity. Simplicity often trumps unnecessary complexity and the rawness of these riffs attacks the heart, not just the spirit. Assisting the reclamation of sound that DSBM had settled fans with for, far, far too long.
On this album Hersir describe new interpretations of old Nordic ideas. In essence it is a new type of folktale. One with more bite than dawn on an Arctic circle morning. A folk story with an immutable and indomitable spirit; an abominable sound cloud; perfect for chilling.
While the debut offers nothing new to the genre these four guys from Sweden deliver an interesting and fresh take on the genre that sparked a global movement. The sound that stood against the hordes of sanitary media. It is great to hear that original D.I.Y. sound popularised enough over the crispy, clean, crème de la crème tone that all the cool kids aspire to have. It is, as it should be, a big winter blow back– Shed Music at its finest.
8/10
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