Welcome back my fellow black metalheads! Sean here from Black Metal Archives, bringing you another deep dive into the abyss. Today, we turn our attention to Beneath the Mountain’s Vigil, the debut full-length from Yfel. A name that has been stirring within the underground, Yfel presents a ferocious yet contemplative take on atmospheric black metal, weaving together historical struggle with relentless instrumentation. Let’s delve into what this album has to offer.
At its core, Beneath the Mountain’s Vigil is a storm of raw, unrelenting tremolo riffs, commanding drum work, and vocals that evoke a sense of urgency and defiance. The production, while embracing the raw aesthetics of traditional black metal, allows enough clarity for the layers of guitar melodies and dynamic shifts to shine through. The album’s strength lies in its ability to balance aggression with atmosphere—crafting passages that feel both hypnotic and foreboding.
The guitar work is particularly notable, utilizing bleak, beautiful melodies that swirl around the listener like an ever-encroaching fog. The bass sits subtly in the mix, reinforcing the harmonic structures without overpowering the main compositions. Drums shift between blast beat fury and measured, almost militant pacing, giving certain tracks a march-like, processional quality. The vocals, harsh and scathing, add an emotional depth that resonates with the themes of struggle and resistance permeating the album.
“All Fleas Carry the Souls of Men“ – Opening the album with a mid-paced, brooding melody, this track slowly builds into an all-encompassing vortex of sound. The riffing is hypnotic, and the minimalist structure creates a trance-like effect, perfectly setting the stage for what’s to come.
“Battle of Blair Mountain“ – The album’s longest track at just over ten minutes, this piece fully embraces the album’s historical themes. Inspired by one of the largest labor uprisings in U.S. history, the composition reflects both the chaos of battle and the unwavering resolve of those who fought. Fast tremolo picking collides with slower, more atmospheric passages, creating an ebb and flow that mirrors the conflict itself.
“Protectors of the Tomb“ – This track leans into the ritualistic side of black metal, incorporating vocal harmonies and chanted elements to contrast against the raw aggression. The result is one of the album’s more dynamic offerings, shifting between oppressive heaviness and eerie, meditative moments.
“The Father’s Path“ – A haunting, mid-tempo piece that allows the instrumentation to breathe, with layered guitars weaving an intricate, sorrowful melody. The subtle use of choral vocals in the background adds a ghostly quality to the track, making it one of the album’s standout moments.
“Eyes of the Moon“ – Closing the album on a bleak yet triumphant note, this track utilizes dissonant, squealing guitar passages that recall early Burzum and Ulver. The structure is deliberate, with moments of respite punctuated by full-throttle intensity, leaving the listener with a sense of finality and desolation.
With Beneath the Mountain’s Vigil, Yfel has crafted a debut that not only pays homage to the traditions of atmospheric black metal but also carves out a distinct identity through its historical themes and expertly layered compositions. The balance between melody and aggression, as well as the incorporation of choral elements and dynamic pacing, elevates the album beyond mere genre adherence.
For those who appreciate the hypnotic repetition of Burzum, the grandeur of early Wolves in the Throne Room, and the militant urgency of Mgła, Beneath the Mountain’s Vigil is an essential listen.
What do you think of Beneath the Mountain’s Vigil? Does Yfel’s approach to atmospheric black metal resonate with you? Let me know in the comments, and as always, stay immersed in the darkness.. The album is available for streaming and purchase on Bandcamp.
Until next time, when we dive deeper into the atmosphere!
