Valaraukar – Demonian Abyssal Visions (Iron Bonehead Productions. 2019).

Valaraukar – Demonian Abyssal Visions (Iron Bonehead Productions. 2019).

Formed out of the ruins of NNGNN, Valaraukar have come forth from the Abyss to deliver unto the world a devastating Black Metal assault. The change of name has also seen some tweaks and changes to the style of the Scottish duo, since there is a lot more noticeable influence from purer Black Metal in comparison to the earlier Black Thrash style, including the Norwegian and Swedish classics, including the section starting around 03:00 of second song The Unassailable Throne, where some of the riffs reminds me vaguely of De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas era Mayhem or the more melodic, vaguely Dissection influenced segment around 02:15 of third song Red Eyes Behold the Heart of Ruin. However, there is also continuity, especially in the brilliant drumming of Sovereign and there are some riffs which bare some of the greater Celtic Frost and Bathory influence that was more to the forefront on the last NNGNN MLP. Either way, this fusion is very reminiscent of later Immortal. Much like the Balrogs that inspired the name of the band, this album is imbued with a dread majesty; a sense of the sublime that permeates every moment and generates an atmosphere of cosmic malevolence. This is perfectly seen with the Servants of the Nameless Throne, which comes racing in with a more Black Thrash style riff that made me think of Deströyer 666, before a relentless Black Metal attack is unleashed. You find yourself meandering through an intriguing song structure in which you are bombarded with killer riffs, the Tom G Warrior style grunts of Vagath and the deadly drumming of Sovereign, diving through fathomless icy cold depths in the freezing Void. It is a beautiful, transcendent yet malicious number that will enrapture and entrance you and have you both headbanging and sitting back in awe at the gaping Abyss awaiting you. The production on the album has to be praised, as all elements are perfectly balanced. The production on the drums in particular stand out, as I particularly enjoy the sound of the bass drum, as it sounds properly rounded and doesn’t dominate, instead rumbling malevolently somewhat below the chilling guitars yet still being ever present. This is a killer album which flows perfectly and that demands to be listened to in a solid, uninterrupted session from start to finish, as each song compliments each other, and it sounds best this way. Truly a great start for the Edinburgh lads. 8.5/10.