Vargsang – Werewolf of Wysteria
Similar to the Wehrmacht during the retreat from the Eastern steppes of Russia with their scorched earth tactics, German Black Metal doesn’t have the greatest of reputations. I don’t know why that is but given that German products are renowned for their quality and craftsmanship it seems unusual that they haven’t managed to produce too many above average bands.
You could probably count them on the fingers of one hand. One of those fingers would surely represent Vargsang. Unfortunately they disbanded after this 2008 release but Werewolf of Wysteria is 40 minutes of highly enjoyable Black Metal. With a clean, crisp sound and cold calculated riffing, the intro builds up nicely for ‘And Death Calls form Beyond’ to burst open after being revved up by the bass.
‘Night of the Forlorn Creature’ sinks its teeth in and offers punchy, catchy riffing and later on gets tuneful, which is a little surprising, as if being suddenly head-butted squarely on the bridge of the nose by a child.
When ‘Cold Dark Thoughts of Suicide’ scythes its way through nearly four and a half minutes you realise this really deserves its place in the highest echelon of Deutsch Black Metal. It bears an infectious blend of stamping old school riffage and grotty, rasping vocals that’ll have you nodding in time with appreciation and wishing you could witness it live in a packed-out concert hall.
Not all of the album follows in a similar fashion mind. ‘Cursed by Hatred and Death’ adds some despondent emotional atmosphere to the mix. There is also the occasional odour of black-veined cheese wafting from the speakers and this is what has plagued German Black Metal in the past. However this time around the cheese is kept to a minimum and even enhances the music. I know that sounds stupid but but it makes for a kind of dark uplifting quality.
Although Werewolf of Wysteria is, after time, probably one of those ‘once in a while’ CDs it is a varied and interesting album that comes with good replayability. If you haven’t already heard Vargsang and are looking for something new to add to your collection, I recommend this.
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I have to admit, I was never a fan of this band.. they’re ok I guess but that’s just about it..
Yes ive heard of this band..’throne of the forgotten’ is one that i listen too and enjoyed it.
I’m quite enjoying some of the tracks on the myspace page. Good stuff.
I think Vargsang’s older material is the most essential, even though nothing new and quite close to Darkthronian processions. I’m still regretting that on “Werewolf Of Wysteria” one took leave of one’s former rawness and purity in sound – it’s too bad this album is quite a lot over-produced, at least in terms of “trve” Black Metal.