Ondfødt – Dimsvall

Written by on 13-09-2025 at 09:07.

Ondfødt, a Finnish black metal powerhouse, has found solid ground again after some wanderings past many record labels, this time at Eisenwald Records, no small player. Previous records came via Black Lion Records or via the Belgian Immortal Frost Productions. Certainly the latest record Det Österbottniska Mörkret but also the EP Oldfodt (although somewhat less) are still strong records in my ears.

The central theme on this Dimsvall expresses the eternal struggle between light and dark and all its derivatives. It makes one reflect. Mr. Inborr himself took care of all the button work after having done the recordings in the Wolfthrone studios. Fortunately, there was still creative space to drum up some guest musicians. We hear Alexander Kuoppala (ex-Children of Bodom), Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns (Finntroll, …And Oceans) but also Tom Cattermole (Pravitas). And….The beautiful artwork is by a Belgian artist/musician René Thuys!

It’s pouring rain, I can tell you that much and at the same time an acoustic guitar is playing. All this to get you in the mood. Because contemplating light and darkness is not without its challenges. It requires some preparation. Which themes do you cover? Which not? Do you go over sacred cows or do you just push those kinds of things aside for a while? For the Finns of Ondfødt, all themes are welcome to be discussed. Something that immediately becomes clear with the second song, Fodarvis Tid. These gentlemen come thundering in in their well-known style. A crystal clear but malicious, venomous production reacquaints you with their musical mastery.

On Tuonela you get haunting background vocals that give the very brutal and aggressive song a bit more depth. With Mr. Tuhkala on the drum stool this band has done a good deal. This gentleman knocks everything loose that is stuck and vice versa. On Futuria you hear that this good man can also put some finesse and delicacy into his drumming. Now before you know it he raises the tempo again to unprecedented heights. That is of course what we like to hear. When the abrasive vocals of Mr. Inborr are perfectly integrated, you know that you are dealing with a very strong song and in extension, a strong album. Svartsyn but also Bakom Blekna Skuggor prove this once again.

Yes, this Dimsvall from the Finnish brothers in Ondfødt is a well-aimed shot in the black metal rose again. The gentlemen have clearly outgrown the smaller labels and are increasingly claiming their place at the front.

Score:

85/100

Label:

Eisenwald Records, 2025

Tracklisting:

  1. Dimsvall
  2. Födärvis tid
  3. Tuonela
  4. Futuria
  5. Svartsyn
  6. Grymhejtins Ansikt
  7. Längton Efter Mörkri
  8. Bakom Blekna Skuggor
  9. Stormin

Line-up:

  • Owe Ingborr – Vocals, guitar
  • Joel Notkonen – Guitar
  • Tommi Tuhkala – Drums
  • Jere Halonen – Bass guitar

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