Ofnus - Valediction (2025)

Hailing from Cardiff, Wales, today we have Ofnus and their majestic blend of Melodic and Atmospheric Black Metal. With “Valediction”, their sophomore full-length release, the band takes their sound to a whole new level, blending elements from bands like Saor, Winterfylleth, to more craft influences of Enslaved, Agalloch, to create a very dreamy and yet pummeling style that is hard to come by these days. Treating the listener to almost one hour of music, this release packs a mean punch.

Opening with the ravaging “The Shattering”, we get a taste of the band’s perfect balance of punishing aggression with fierce riffs, vocals, and drumming, alongside elegant atmospheric and some crafty proggy tempo changes. Taking a more dramatic turn, “Reflections of Delusion” starts with an enigmatic opening that slowly escalates into aggressive onslaughts and elegant atmospheric passages. The band does a great job in creating tracks that quickly change directions while always maintaining a high degree of atmosphere, as the stunning “Throes of Agony” delivers.

The most epic track in this release has to be the expansive “Proteus” and its plethora of epic melodic passages and constant sense of turmoil. We particularly love the slower/doomy passages alongside over the top atmospherics, giving a certain Dimmu Borgir-esque vibe. Far from linear, the release also features tracks like “Zenith Dolour” that have a more slower paced and melancholic angle, with solen string instruments and a very cathartic progression. Mixing all of these things together, the album title track is another standout in a very well polished and dynamic release.

As Ofnus closes with “Alazia”, the band leaves on a very high note, perfectly intoxicating the listener with their high-octane and yet very melancholic and dreamy sound. With “Valediction” the band proves their debut release was not a fluke and that they have the ability to further refine and expand their sound. If you like highly atmospheric and dynamic Black Metal, this is a release you cannot afford to miss out on.

Label: Naturmacht Productions

Release: February 21st, 2025

Genre: Atmospheric/Melodic Black Metal

Country: UK