I knew nothing about Bavaria’s Drudensang. But the promo is listed ‘for fans of  Lunar Aurora, Abigor, Katharsis, Ascension, Nagelfar‘. And the band is comprised of current and former members of Mavorim, Atronos, Aphelium Aeternum and Belphegor. Im in.

So Drudensang (loosely meaning ‘witch wail’ or ‘witch chant’), and Geysterzvvang (‘dark compulsion’) is a 6-song EP, following up the bands 2022 debut album, Tuiflsrijtt, which I probably need to go and check out based on how much I like this EP as this is top fucking notch stuff.

Mystical, symphonic black metal with a heavy 90s sheen is the order of the day. Not the theatrical pomp and grandeur of Dimmu Borgir or country mates, Mystic Circle, but a more raw, brittle, leaner and nastier, but still melodic take on the classic 90s sound, with maybe early Emperor, Obtained Enslavement as additional comparisons.

And I know I’m going to dig this right away, as the all-too-short opening title track delivers about 3-5 killer riffs that harken back to a more ancient, mystical time and era. The keys are subtle, not overbearing, and the riffs drip with a classical 90s second-wave majestic malevolence.

Second track “VVydargaenger” couldn’t be more classical, 90s sounding if it tried, with shrill, icy tremolo picked melodies, harsh rasps, and subtle synths. The synths are a little more upfront and majestic for the more somber but still icy “Hoellenkunst im brennend Aether”.

The EP’s longest track (the whole thing is 30 minutes, so good value for money for an EP), “Offenbarung der Lvzier” is eight minutes, and hits all the moods from sweeping, blistering majesty to somber acoustics.

Standout “Blutkreys Teufeley” ends ( “Miasma” is a three-minute instrumental/atmospheric close out) the EP with howling, classic keyboards, and pacing that puts these guys instantly in the ‘one of the best bands doing classical 90s symphonic black metal’ category.

There has been and will be some killer 90s styled symphonic black metal out (and coming out) in 2025, including the likes of Warmoon Lord, Ninkharsag, Darkenhold, Belnejoum, Beleth’s Trumpet,  Khora, Nyktmyst, and a few more, and this is right there with them.

[Visit the band's website]

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