After the surprisingly refined and accomplished ‘De Vaendrig’ full length, Dutch Black Metal duo Wrang takes a deliberate step backwards into the mire with the ‘Haatspraak’ EP, and that regression proves to be one of the EP’s greatest strengths. Rather than chasing a cleaner or more expansive sound, Galgenvot and Valr strip away much of the polish and present three tracks steeped in hostility, frustration, and unapologetic Black Metal ferocity. The result is a work that feels immediate and dangerous, as if it were dragged from some freezing cellar rehearsal space and committed to tape before its creators had the chance to second-guess themselves.
Opening track ‘De cirkel vervolmaakt’ wastes no time announcing the EP’s intentions. A landslide of blasting drums, insanely feral and corrosive vocals, and icy riffing creates the impression of barely controlled chaos, yet repeated listens reveal careful songwriting beneath the raw exterior. Wrang have always possessed an ear for memorable melodies, and even at their most savage they never abandon atmosphere. Halfway through the song, the introduction of cello transforms the piece from a straightforward assault into something unexpectedly majestic, a moment that recalls the grandeur hidden beneath the grime before the band plunges back into darkness. The contrast between violence and melancholy is masterfully handled, giving the track a dramatic scope that exceeds its raw production values.
The title track follows with an even stronger sense of movement. What initially appears to be a relentless attack gradually unfolds into a dynamic composition filled with shifting tempos, martial rhythms, and memorable melodic turns. Here, the Finnish influence frequently noted by reviewers becomes especially apparent. The riffs possess that distinctive northern sharpness and windswept character associated with contemporary Finnish Black Metal, while the vocals remain viciously unhinged. Despite its aggression, ‘Haatspraak’ contains some of the EP’s most infectious moments, proving that Wrang understands how to craft memorable hooks without sacrificing extremity.
‘Bodemdrift’ closes the release on an equally impressive note. Beginning with one of the EP’s strongest melodic themes, the song balances despair and triumph in a manner that has become something of a Wrang trademark. There is a restless energy running through the composition, with blast-driven passages giving way to driving rock-infused momentum and unexpectedly uplifting melodies. Some listeners may even detect echoes of dirty Black ‘N’ Roll in the arrangement, yet these elements are integrated naturally rather than feeling forced. By the time the song reaches its final moments, complete with soaring leads and touches of clean or choral expression, the EP has evolved from raw Black Metal savagery into something surprisingly emotional and memorable.
What makes ‘Haatspraak’ so compelling is the tension between its primitive presentation and the quality of its songwriting. The production is rougher than its predecessor, the vocals frequently sound as though they are tearing themselves apart, and the performances radiate contempt rather than technical perfection. Yet beneath this abrasive surface lies a sophisticated understanding of pacing, melody, and atmosphere. Wrang manages to channel old-school Scandinavian Black Metal spirit while filtering it through a distinctly Dutch identity, enriched by traces of Finnish melancholy, filthy Black ‘N’ Roll swagger, and occasional flashes of grandeur.
At barely nineteen minutes in length, ‘Haatspraak’ is over far too quickly, but perhaps that is precisely the point. It arrives like a violent storm, leaves its scars, and disappears before becoming familiar. In a year already crowded with notable underground releases, Wrang delivered an EP that demonstrates how traditional Black Metal can remain relevant without reinventing itself. Raw, hostile, coarsely melodic, and unexpectedly triumphant, ‘Haatspraak’ stands as one of the strongest Dutch Black Metal releases of 2024!
An essential album to possess!
