Welcome back my fellow black metalheads! Sean here, with the Black Metal Archives, and today we are going to dive into Under Endless Invented Night, the latest release from Vintertodt. Released through Fólkvangr Records, this album encapsulates the band’s chilling blend of raw aggression and melancholic atmosphere, solidifying their place in the underground black metal scene.
Vintertodt’s sound remains rooted in traditional black metal but incorporates atmospheric elements that elevate the experience. The guitars weave an icy tapestry of tremolo-picked riffs, drenched in reverb, while the drums range from relentless blast beats to more controlled, doom-laden passages. The bass lurks ominously beneath, adding depth, and the keyboards—used sparingly—enhance the album’s bleak aura without overpowering the raw instrumentation. The production is raw enough to maintain authenticity but refined enough to highlight the album’s intricate compositions.
Let’s talk about the tracks!
- “Into the Altar of Night“ sets the stage with an eerie, instrumental introduction, pulling the listener into a realm of bleak isolation.
- “Tongues“ erupts with ferocity, combining chaotic riffing and shrieked vocals that cut through the mix like an arctic gale.
- “Creeping Death“ slows the pace slightly, allowing melancholic melodies to intertwine with the oppressive atmosphere.
- “And So Begins the Most Lonely of Aeons“ stands as the album’s centerpiece, shifting between somber passages and full-speed tremolo-driven fury, demonstrating the band’s ability to balance atmosphere and aggression.
- “Crown of the Abyss“ introduces haunting, dissonant melodies that feel like echoes from a lost and desolate world.
- “To Nothingness“ concludes the album in a fashion befitting its title, a dirge-like composition that descends into total desolation.
Vintertodt firmly establishes itself within the atmospheric and depressive black metal subgenres while maintaining a strong foundation in second-wave influences. Their sound bridges the cold and relentless aggression of bands like Darkthrone and early Gorgoroth with the haunting, immersive textures of acts such as Wolves in the Throne Room and Paysage d’Hiver. While they embrace the rawness of traditional black metal, their ability to weave melancholic passages and subtle keyboard textures places them alongside modern acts that push the genre’s emotional depth.
With Under Endless Invented Night, they carve out a distinct niche, offering something both familiar and innovative. Their dedication to bleak soundscapes and unrelenting intensity ensures their place among contemporary underground black metal bands that refuse to compromise on atmosphere or raw power.
Vintertodt delivers an album that is both immersive and punishing, blending traditional black metal elements with a unique atmospheric depth. Under Endless Invented Night is a testament to the band’s evolution, offering a bleak and unrelenting experience that lingers long after the final notes fade. For fans of second-wave black metal with a touch of atmosphere, this release is a must-listen, which you can do immediately over on their Bandcamp page!
Until next time, venture on into the endless night!
