Info
- Band(s): Demstervold
- Label(s): New Era Productions
- Release Format(s): 12" vinyl, CD
- Release Year: 2024
- Review Date: February 21, 2025
- Author(s): FelixS
After the impressive ‘Den Svartne Spökerii’ demo tape from 2017, which was released through Jeroen’s own then resurrected Black Abyss Productions, we were treated with two split releases. First we were served a split tape with The Wampyric Spectre on Zwartkunst Smederij and two years later in 2019 there was the split 7” EP with the acclaimed Gnipahålan from Sweden released through Amor Fati. Yet, after these rather short releases, Jeroen seemed to have put this solo-project to rest as nothing had surfaced since – except for the ‘Maalstroom Des Doods’ compilation LP on New Era Records. But even though Jeroen slowed down a bit, he evidently did not go into complete hibernation.
With Tirgûl and one of his oldest projects, Orodruin, he released some material but in the meantime his label’s brief revival was soon brought to an end again. The relative quiet time he must at least have partially used to brew this new release. And although with merely 30 minutes ‘Afgrondstocht’ is pretty short for a full-length album, it is a piece of work more than worthy of the name Demstervold. That Jeroen is a talented guy who knows his craft, he has proven long time ago. As far back as the late 90’s, his work with a handful of different bands and projects has already shown him to be among the elite of the Dutch underground Black Metal scene. Whether it is the Dutch answer to Ildjarn with Haat or the illustrious Blood Tyrant, when Jeroen rolls up his sleeves only (black) gold seems to emerge.
That concludes the ode to a, in my book, underrated character in the Dutch Black Metal scene. Now the focus can be shifted to ‘Afgrondstocht’ – which I hope the title (“Abyssal Journey” in English) doesn’t suggest that this is the last recording of Demstervold. Although Demstervold has always seemed like a solo project, guitarist/vocalist Zagan (ex-Countess, ex-Necromantic Worship) now appears to have taken up a permanent position in the band. Whether because of Zagan’s permanent contribution – The Spectre is also back as a session drummer, by the way – or simply because of the further maturation of this particular musical concoction, ‘ Afgrondstocht’ sounds much more mature than the previous recordings. Clearly based on the foundations that already sounded on ‘Den Svartne Spökerii’ in 2017, that formula has been further developed on this album recorded back in 2023. However, that progression goes a lot further than just polishing the clear demo sound of ‘Den Svartne Spökerii’ a bit. The gloomy atmosphere of those first recordings has been pushed back a bit in favour of an almost dreamy sound carried by nicely balanced layers of keyboards and almost friendly rocking riffs.
Still, there is a fearsome humming bass and the vocals come off with venom. That contrast between the somewhat dreamy dressing and the more classic Black Metal approach provides the highlight on this album. While it doesn’t necessarily sound hugely original, this is a kind of Black Metal that doesn’t cross our minds every day anymore. It is definitely a record that sounds very much like some of the more Atmospheric Swedish Black Metal that was in vogue some 10-15 years ago. The attentive listener may recognise in these compositions the spirit of bands like Woods Of Infinity, Joyless, Forgotten Woods, Ljå, Lik, Stilla or Bergraven, beware, however, without sounding like a copy of these kindred spirits and certainly not as experimental as some.
Some might miss the rougher edges of the older recordings, which would be a fair remark, ‘Afgrondstocht’ is nothing short of a logical continuation of what Demstervold has been doing before. The album feels like a genuine and overall emotional record, of which the beautiful strumming and overall eerie atmosphere still reflects much of the doom and gloom that has always been part of Demstervold’s musical DNA. But, admittedly, it is an album that you have to give some time to let it sink in properly, if you have the time and patience, its beauty will unfold willingly.
New Era Productions
- Country: Netherlands
- Style: Black Metal
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram
