![wirdha / nachtheem – wirdha / nachtheem [split]](https://www.vm-underground.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Wirdha-Nachtheem-–-Wirdha-Nachtheem-Split-cover.jpeg "Wirdha / Nachtheem – Wirdha / Nachtheem [Split]")
On this Tour de Garde released Split Tape, Wirdha and Nachtheem found each other. Wirdha is a new entity with anonymous Black Metal veterans from Sweden. Likewise, we do not know much about the individuals behind Nachtheem, outside that they are from The Netherlands and, judging by the quality of their debut demo ‘Nacht, Zij Met Ons…’, seemingly have earned their marks in the Black Metal world as well. But what mostly makes the bands a great fit for a Split release is that they both bands play atmospheric Black Metal, where emphasis on a handful of entrancing riffs dictates the atmosphere.
Guitar-driven Black Metal is what typifies ‘Eftergivelse’, the first Wirdha track. With a hypnotising sense of repetition and urgent pace, the guitar melodies and bellowing vocal cries convey the atmosphere which ultimately transcends its melodies into an ambient outro in the shape of ‘In i glömskans famn’. Noteworthy in the sound of ‘Eftergivelse’ is the role of the bass, whose buzzing gives the music a genuine pulse and oppressive layer of enthrallment to complement the raw guitar sound. In particular towards the end of the track, it’s the bass that meanders while the guitars forms a constant, and the interplay between both string instruments certainly combines a captivating end to the track and start to the career of Wirdha.
Equally alluring is the side of nachtheem. In contrast to Wirdha, the ambient elements are not just used as an outro. As a more integral part of the sound, keyboards provide a subtle humming backdrop to the catchy mesmerizing riffs. Otherwise, the emphasis on a few high quality riffs at an uptempo pace is what unifies both bands on this split, although Nachtheem offers plenty of dynamics. It makes ‘Toorn der verandering’ very much in line with the material on ‘Nacht, Zij met Ons..’, enforcing the notion that Nachtheem is as close as it gets to performing music that can be regarded as the spiritual successor to the Vemod debut ‘Venter på Stormene’. Splendid material from both bands, and atmospheric Black Metal collectors better not hesitate picking this tape up.
Tour de Garde
- Country: Canada
- Style: Black Metal
- Links: Homepage, Instagram, Youtube
