Vananidr - Damnation (2020)

Today we have a highly melodic Black Metal entity called Vananidr and their latest full-length release “Damnation”. With a vicious edge to their sound, this band perfectly blends old-school Melodic BM elements with modern production values and a knack for long and seizure inducing headbanging passages. Showing that you don’t need too many bells and whistles to deliver a punishing performance, this album is one of the most direct and yet well-crafted releases we have heard in quite a while.

Opening with the hurricane like-tempo of the blistering drumming of “Distilled”, the listener is treated to a ravaging song with crafty tempo changes and a very oppressive atmosphere. The harsh vocal snarls perfectly pair with the sinister atmosphere crafted by the band’s mixture of piercing guitar riffs and melodic tremolo-picking passages, as perfectly outlined on the album’s title track and in the superbly catchy “Hunter”.

By the time we get to the ritualistic “Tide of Blood”, we get a certain air of old-school Swedish DM mixed in with powerful screams and a very enigmatic vibe. This track is certainly one of the most interesting in the release as it shows a more melancholic and yet violent side of the band. For those looking for a healthy dose of headbanging, “Wounds of Old” has a brilliant Satyricon-esque edge to the band’s already unique melodic sound.

Just before closing the release, the band unleashes the delivisih “Reflection” and its lush guitar leads contrasted with crafty drum patterns and chaotic tempo changes. Lastly, “Void” ends this release on a very hypnotic and melodic tone thanks to its intricate guitar work and pulsating bass guitar line. As a whole, “Damnation” is an excellent release that shows a band growing into their own skin via a series of expertly crafted songs that are full of solid ideas an even better execution. If you are in the market for different and more melodic Black Metal release, give this album a try.

Label: Purity Through Fire

Release: January 24th, 2020

Genre: Melodic Black Metal

Country: Sweden