Úlfarr – Orlegsceaft

This British warship (which calls itself Úlfarr) has – twelve years after its conception – finally released a full-length album: Orlegsceaft. Previously this band released demos, splits, a compilation, a few live records and some EPs. It’s remarkable that it took so long for an album to come to life. If you look at the rich history of this band, it shouldn’t be difficult to release an album. Something that the German Purity Through Fire Records also noticed and it promptly encouraged the gentlemen to put together and carve this Orlegsceaft. But what type of wood and nails were used?

It should come as no surprise that the material used to assemble this warship is mainly material that appears to have been used before. The driftwood comes from the Finnish beaches. While the nails and the rest come from some beachcombing on their own sandbanks. The four gentlemen simply call it Cumbrian black metal. The record is written in old English apparently. Something that Dominus and Exvoidxist- and Forvitnast-vocalist Játvarðr apparently do very easily. Hellvellyn‘s bassist Burns and Malfeitor‘s Nosdrahcir on drums fill out the rest of the lineup.

The whole of it sounds as dirty as a clogged siphon and reeks. After a wet, humid instrumental opener the dominant vocal palette is something that is immediately noticeable. Mr. Játvarðr’s throat strings are used well, although it sometimes sounds a bit too sharp. But ….Hie Dygel Lond is a very powerful opening song. Especially in the middle aisle, the falling silent and then starting things up again by means of a swampy, booming theme on a single kick is particularly strong. Not to mention that epic lead part that works by itself for a moment, but a few moments later (as expected) scores big time with the help of a blast part.

Reordberend steams like a damp street in the morning at somewhat colder temperatures. While Trollblót floats around like a fully loaded boat on the dirty sea. What these British perform remains high-quality. Simple but efficient and effective.

A solid ship can easily defy wind and water, water and wind once sang a gifted Flemish singer. The ship steered by Úlfarr can handle some rougher weather. This much is evident from the songs on Orlegsceaft. Friends on deck enjoy listening to…

Score:

90/100

Label:

Purity Through Fire records, 2023

Tracklisting:

  1. Orlegsceaft
  2. …Hie Dygel Lond
  3. Wælgæst Wæfre
  4. Reordberend
  5. Trollblót
  6. Ic Maþelode Min Anda To þone Win…
  7. Volkfire
  8. Nocturnal Pantheon

Line-up:

  • Játvarðr – Vocals
  • Dominus – Guitar
  • Burns – Bass
  • Nosdrahcir – Drums

Link: