![orkblut / hertogenwald – lurking in the northern bog / méandres de l’enlisement [split]](https://www.vm-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Orkblut-Hertogenwald-–-Lurking-In-The-Northern-Bog-Meandres-De-Lenlisement-split-cover.jpg "Orkblut / Hertogenwald – Lurking In The Northern Bog / Méandres De L’enlisement [Split]")
Info
- Band(s): Hertogenwald, Orkblut
- Label(s): Medieval Prophecy Records
- Release Format(s): 7" vinyl, Split
- Release Year: 2024
- Review Date: February 19, 2025
- Author(s): FelixS
Out of the October 2024 batch of releases of the respected Medieval Prophecy Records, also comes this nice little piece of black wax that brings together two great Black Metal bands out of the amazing Belgian scene. Both Orkblut and Hertogenwald do not belong to the most prolific bands nor the ones that enjoy the most prestige, which makes this particular specific piece out of this larger batch releases one of the most interesting.
Orkblut, one of the bands out of the Ancient Hounds circle alongside acts such as Phlegethon’s Majesty, Crypts Of Wallachia and Regnum Tenebrarum, opens the split with a new track that follows up last year’s great ‘Ghost Paths To Septentrion’ 12” EP. In fact, Orkblut is pretty consistent musically, so every successive release fits seamlessly to the preceding output. Their coherent body of work is for the most part based on moody mid paced-to-faster Scandinavian Black Metal with lots of detail when it comes to meaningful song writing. A major role is played by the keyboards that define the frame and accentuate the structure of the musical canvas. But they do share that stage with the hummable riffs, warm in sound but unquestionably superbly positioned, and the croaking vocals that firmly place the whole affair in the late 90’s. However, this is not a 90’s symphonic fiesta, Orkblut’s musical composure and modesty is what makes the music so special, consequently claiming a special place within the Belgian Black Metal scene.
If we flip over the record to its B-side, we’ll find Hertogenwald. While Orkblut already released a demo tape, a 7” EP and a 12” EP, from Hertogenwald we only had the 2019-released ‘Esprit Tellurique Primitif’ demo tape at our disposal. Not only did it represent one of Medieval Prophecy Records’ first releases, it was also a very promising start to a new band. But in retrospect, perhaps it was not so surprising that the band would not opt for a flying start after all. Hertogenwald was formed back in 2007, so it actually took 12 years to arrive at that first demo tape. That five years later we are even allowed to embrace two new releases (at the same time, a split LP with Regnum Tenebrarum was also released) is therefore nothing short of commendable. Again, we can argue that the music is an extension of what we have heard before. On the demo released in 2019, Hertogenwald already wasn’t a very ordinary band. Although, given the band name, we may have briefly thought of Enthroned, who have a song with that title on their classic 1997 album ‘Towards The Skullthrone Of Satan’, Hertogenwald also takes an atmospheric approach. But like, say, Ysengrin, in which all three band members are also active, some non-conventional songwriting can be found within this band. Perhaps not as extreme as in Ysengrin, but certainly enough to give itself its own musical identity. Certainly American bassist Alrinack, best known for Happy Days and the just-mentioned Ysengrin, deserves an extra mention for his creative input. For those who had already kind of forgotten about Hertogenwald or had completely overlooked the first demo: it is definitely a recommended band to pay attention to (again).
Medieval Prophecy Records
- Country: Belgium
- Style: Black Metal
- Links: Youtube
