Wolfhorde – Bloodmoon Symphonies
Wolfhorde – Bloodmoon Symphonies
Inverse Records
Release Date: 30/08/24
Review by Laura Barnes
1000/10
Is it too early to start celebrating Halloween? TK Maxx have already started selling skull-shaped scented candles, and I decided to take this as permission to dive headfirst into Spooky Season. To really get myself into the spirit I selected the spookiest looking album from my review list, the aptly titled “Bloodmoon Symphonies” by Finnish Extreme Metallers Wolfhorde. I use the vague title of ‘Extreme’ because it is quite hard to put Wolfhorde into a distinct category. The band fuse elements of Black Metal and Death Metal together, inject it with a healthy dose of Folk, and add a glossy Symphonic sheen to keep things shiny and interesting. If this sounds like your cup of sugar, then let me tell you: you’re in for a treat.
It is the duty of a critic to be as objective as possible while reviewing, but that is essentially impossible to do when the album ticks off every box on the Things That Make Laura Go Bananas list. ‘Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog’ and ‘Tormented (Beyond Apprehension)’ bring the bombast and drama of Black Metal in droves, combining delightfully campy symphonics with ear-splitting heaviness. Meanwhile, ‘Last Good Fight’ scratches that Amon Amarth shaped-itch, with vocalist Hukkapätkä growling and snarling like a wolf as he marches the band into battle. Those who like their Metal a little bit more boundary pushing and experimental will be thrilled with Progressive Instrumental track ‘Anubis’, which takes us on a brief Ancient Egyptian detour. It is ‘Forsaken Shrine’ however that wins the award of standout track on this album for me. Every element of this song is perfect, from Werihukka’s incredible leading guitar riffs to the epic lung-bursting chorus. Put simply, this is the kind of song that a goth would belt out in the shower.
And my god, the production! The sound quality on this album is absolutely flawless. Every element is crisp and clear, and at no point do the instrumentals feel as though they are bleeding into each other, as they too often do in Extreme Metal subgenres. Alongside the songwriting, this impeccable production is a telltale sign of the band’s experience. It comes as no surprise that Wolfhorde have been making music together for over fifteen years.
Honestly, I could go on and on about how wonderful I think this album is but some things must be experienced to be believed, and “Bloodmoon Symphonies” is one of them. If you, like me, are a fan of bands like Stormkeep, Nightwish, Immortal or Seven Spires, then I guarantee that “Bloodmoon Symphonies” will have you jumping for joy and / or howling at the moon.
Wolfhorde – Killer Rabbit Of Caerbannog
TRACKLISTING:
01. Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog
02. Forsaken Shrine
03. Tormented (Beyond Apprehension)
04. Kuoleman Mustat Siivet
05. Anubis
06. Phantom Queen
07. Last Good Fight
08. Bloodmoon Symphony
LINE-UP:
Werihukka – Guitar and other instruments
Hukkapätkä – Vocals and Drums
LINKS:
Disclaimer: This review is solely the property of Laura Barnes and Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
