This is the second demo by Welsh Black Metal solo project Cwlt Draig, and what a follow up it is.
The release really toes the line between rawness and brutality, as the production is harsh as all hell but the music being played is incredibly heavy for this kind of Black metal. The drumming really dominates the whole mix, my only criticism is that it often sounds really artificial and triggered. This can be a little distracting, but the loudness of the drumming really adds to the energy and aggression of the demo.
Neidr’s vocal performance is pretty stellar too, the growls feel very throaty and agonised, reminiscent of the USBM band Vide. However the final track ‘Efnysien’ shows off his full range, it’s an incredibly manic and unrestrained performance which adds an unsettling yet incredibly enjoyable edge to the track.
My standout track would have to be ‘Preseli Mawr’, the song is completely instrumental so the tremolo picked guitar lead is really at the forefront of the track, the song even features more Crust Punk like drumming.
While definitely rough around the edges, ‘Ysbeilwyr’ is yet another a perfectly hateful and aggressive Raw Black Metal release out of the small but expanding Welsh scene.
