VholdGhast: Lat Oss Forbrinna

Deciphering between the countless bands raging between an out and out Death Metal rampage and an atmospheric Black tinged sneer is becoming ever more difficult; the scene more cluttered than a morgue during the zombie apocalypse. So thank the dark maker for bands such as VholdGhast who have the vicious skill to seamlessly smash it out and rein it in, making a mighty statement as they do so. The album's title track lays down its blood spattered death gauntlet, vocal expulsions punctuating towering guitars and tumultuous kick drum assaults. Slowly an eerie backing brings the black edge to proceedings and while it's hard to suggest that we're close to breaking new ground here, there's simply no denying that VholdGhast offer up this blackened death style with a real sense of purpose and conviction.

The band's journey to this point has been long and drawn out, forming in 2002 and revolving round Jonny Pettersson (guitar, vocal, programming) and Frederik Ringström (lead guitar), before a solid line up was rounded out by Rickard Persson (bass) and Christian Netzell (drums); meaning the band now boast members of Soreptun, Syn:drom and Volturyon among their number. This experience and eye for detail is put to superb use on the stand-out "I Am", where gothic swathes battle head on with staccato shards of guitar and killer-convincing vocals, while "Born God" adds an anguished sneer of brutal hatred to the mix. Pettersson's vocals are on the mark, a compromise between full on aggression and subtle persuasion resulting in no compromise whatsoever, while his and Ringström's guitars combine with a seriously lethal intent.

"False Divination" veers farthest into blackness, blasts of synths setting a scene for double kick tirades and a pummel of bass that at volume threatens to demolish all within its reach, while "Worship Us" closes the album with the merest hints of melody shining through what is a gloriously controlled push of power. Do VholdGhast have what it takes to stand out from the crowd on Lat Oss Forbrinna, an album which undoubtedly utilises an almost overused set of influences and ideas? No doubt about it. Put aside your preconceived notions, for this band have what it takes to shine in an extreme crowd which often drowns in its own safeness. This isn't safe, it's VholdGhast!

Track Listing
1. Låt Oss Förbrinna
2. I Am
3. Born God
4. Walk With Fire
5. Disillusion Of Grandeur
6. False Divination
7. The End Of Existence
8. Worship Us

Added: June 12th 2015
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: VholdGhast online
Hits: 1611
Language: english

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