‘The Blackened Crusade’ is Verletzen’s first full‑length, originally released 10 June 2023 on Marwolaeth Records, then reissued in 2026 by Wulfhere Productions in multiple ultra‑limited physical formats. Wulfhere must have noticed the potential of their music and decided to re-release it on a strictly limited pro CD-R format.
The raw UKBM‑leaning Black Metal has a grittier sound than on their latest ‘Usurping the Throne Under the Crown of Blasphemy’. The album also has two pronounced Dungeon Synth influenced instrumental interludes in ‘Invocation II & III’ as well as a Venom cover of ‘Witching Hour’ brought in a satanic Masochist/Summon fashion.
One can expect high‑energy Black Metal aggression with punk‑rooted dynamics and pagan fragments. Comparisons to Heathen Deity and harsh‑edged Finnish Black Metal aren’t very far off. The guitar work on the album described as razor‑sharp second‑wave riffing with strong riff momentum. The vocal completely over the top, gnarling and blaspheming all over the place. And as said, the medieval/occult tone that anticipates the later 2026 album ‘Usurping the Throne Under the Crown of Blasphemy’ is already omnipresent.
Musical influences on this album range from Black Funeral, old Darkthrone, early Lamp of Murmuur but also Thy Dying light and Marquis Revenant…
The short, violent track lengths (2–4 minutes) fit well on this album, filled with primitive riff cycles with minimal ornamentation, lo‑fi, clipping‑heavy production and the eerie medieval/occult thematic framing.
In short it can be described as icy, abrasive, perfectly primitive, and as some critics say, “authentically Welsh raw Black Metal filth”. One of the better UK releases of the moment, do check out ‘The Blackened Crusade’ if you will.
