Vuur & Zijde - Boezem (2024)

Dramatically moving away from their original Atmospheric Black/Post-Black Metal sound, today we have enigmatic Dutch outfit Vuur & Zijde and their debut full-length “Boezem”. Featuring members from bands like Laster, Terzij de Horde, and Grey Aura, there is no surprise that the music presented in this release is captivating and truly unique, with seven tracks and nearly 46 minutes of hypnotic music. This release is for fans of bands like Beastmilk/Grave Pleasures with some Wave influences and featuring sultry female vocals.

Opening with the mysterious “Onbemind”, the band sets a very unique Post-Punk vibe that quickly escalates into fierce guitar riffing and pummeling drumming. One would think that the harsh vocals would follow, but they never really do, instead we get the dreamy clean voice of Famke. This gives the band’s sound a very unique proposition, with heavier passages with more restrained drumming and a very organic and catchy vibe, perfect examples of this are songs like “Zusterzon”, “Omheind”, and “Us”.

The band excels in creating uniquely atmospheric songs, filled with catchiness and those old-school Wave vibes, such as “Kuier” and “II”. There is always that Black Metal base on the album’s music, with tracks like “Nest” giving an initial impression that quickly gets transformed into dreamier and less extreme territories. It is quite contrasting to listen to, but highly enjoyable when you think the band is going somewhere more traditional with their sound, but instead they add a layer of different elements and take their style to a whole new level.

Closing with the playful “Naakt”, the band has created one of the most unique and yet intoxicating releases of 2024 with “Boezem”. With a very different amalgamation of influences, Vuur & Zijde innovates with great style and flair. Every track needs more than a few spins to fully digest the aggressive ‘BM’ foundations alongside crafty atmospheric and some of the most magical female vocals we have heard in quite a while. This release is highly recommended for fans that like bands that push the envelope and create very unconventional music.

Label: Prophecy Productions

Release: July 12th, 2024

Genre: Post-Punk/Experimental Black Metal

Country: Netherlands