Olde Throne - An Gorta Mór (2022)

It is not every day we get to review a band from New Zealand, and it is definitely even better when the band is truly impressive. Olde Throne is unleashing upon the world their fierce debut full-length release “An Gorta Mór”. Featuring a very vicious pace and sinister atmospherics, this Black Metal album brings back memories of the early days of Emperor, Enslaved, and Immortal.

The release quickly strikes a punishing tone with the ravaging onslaughts of part 1 of the album title track. As the release transitions between the first track and “Knockdoe”, we get Emperor’s “Wrath of the Tyrant” vibes. Creating cavernous atmospheres, “Children of Lir” continues the brutality with a more sinister angle and subtle melodic undertones.

Changing things up a bit, the hypnotic “A Dying Land” has a very dark and somber vibe that is nicely contraste by crushing drums and hellish shrieks. For those looking for diversity, “Connla’s Fate” has a nice folky edge to it, and “Celtic Sorrow” has some of the best headbanging moments of this release.

After closing with the incisive part two of the album’s title track, we are left quite impressed with Olde Throne and its punishing sound, which is created by one single person. If you are looking for diverse Black Metal with diverse elements incorporated, but vicious as a Norwegian winter, look no further and get a copy of this release.

Label: Naturmacht Productions

Release: February 11th, 2022

Genre: Black Metal

Country: New Zealand