The Devil’s Bridge is the second full-length from Belgian Black Metal Kvlt Lvthn after a handful of splits and demos, including an EP, The Spider Goddess (2017), and their Eradication of Nescience debut full-length from 2016.

This is a genuinely good Black Metal album. Its direction is clear, each foot stuck solidly in the 1^st and 2^nd waves of Black Metal.

Beginning with the isolated tremolo picking on “A Malignant Encounter – The Servant” brings to mind the isolated guitar intro to Borknagar’s “Winterway” from the amazing Olden Domain album, that’s where the comparison ends; however, because this opening track is blistering riff after blistering riff, the drums are blasting towards oblivion.

The next few tracks mirror more of a Watain and True Mayhem direction “A Malignant Encounter – The Master” captures the devastating impact of Lawless Darkness with its combative riffing and the machine gun delivery of the drums.

“Cacodaemon” and “Sum Quod Eris” have a True Mayhem feel to their delivery, sort of a Grand Declaration of War meets Chimera. Both have a sense of impending oppression and doom, a thick miasma of evil permeates through The Devil’s Bridge.

According to the presser, this is an ode to Lucifer, and I’m sure he appreciates it. This is the aural equivalent of a human sacrifice. “Grim Vengeance” goes for the throat with slow mitigation of malice; it’s a literal blood bath set to music.

Last two tracks “Mother of Abominations” and “The Devil’s Bridge” close the album in grandiose fashion, the former sporting some more True Mayhem blasting and that angular riffing that worms into your brain. The production is stellar, and as the last notes ring out, you’ll find yourself hitting play again.

Lvthn play with their influences on their sleeve, and that’s perfectly fine. If you love True Mayhem, Watain, and Immortal, then this badass motherfucker is for you, constant reader. Go get it!

[Visit the band's website]

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