VALDRIN - Throne Of The Lunar Soul (Review)

Written by: Blackie Skulless

Ohio’s very own Valdrin has actually been on my radar since their 2020 album titled Effigy Of Nightmares, though they didn’t really grasp my attention back then (and don’t worry, I’ve since grown fond of that album). Several years of me finding corners of black metal that I enjoy, and perhaps some musical evolution on their part would change my perception by late last year. Roughly three years following said 2020 release, the band dropped Throne Of The Lunar Soul, clutching ahold of my attention from the artwork alone. Thankfully the music held just as much substance, causing me to completely re-evaluate.

On a stylistic front, Valdrin have stayed in their lane well enough, retaining a black metal base with some minor tampering in other landmarks of the extreme metal sphere. But at their core, this U.S. quartet took that base and expanded past measures that I could have seen coming. Rather than sticking to a crushing and punishing wall of sound, they’ve gone and mixed in melody, soft and acoustic layers, and concise, poetic themes around the mythical, ancient, and medieval. Perhaps they’ve always leaned toward these directions anyway, but the superb production and advanced construction found here made it stand out blatantly.

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From the gate, an issue that might arise from this is that getting a little too ambitious is a little common, as I don’t think Throne Of The Lunar Soul needed to be 73 minutes long (more than double the previous effort). The plus side to that is that there’s also more to appreciate. Even under the thunderous guise of blistering drum kicks that litter almost every song at some point, the vocals scream clarity and deliver the narrative without letting go of that harsh, shrieking black metal that the band has been known for. “Sojourner Wolf” mixes in some cleaner acoustic passages that flow with noodly leads and harsh shrieks better than you’d think. This track is one of the sturdiest on here, unraveling intricate layers after a firm kick of pummeling blows. Opener “Neverafter” utilizes synth to create suspense that leads into one of the most furious punches we can open with, pairing wonderfully with “Golden Walls Of Ausadjur,” another favorite that weaves in some of the bounciest chops you could find in a black metal disc.

And a lot of these songs have several different phases, which again, might feel overwhelming due to their sheer lengths, but are ultimately satisfying. The consistent atmosphere existing everywhere also lets it feel balanced, never coming across as awkward. Everything seems to take turns, with lead guitar solos playing a far bigger part than you’d expect for a record like this in general, sometimes several times per track. I’d even go as far as calling “Seven Swords (In The Arsenal Of Steel)” catchy with its hooky spine and synth-topped intro; it's the swiftest and shortest tune here save for the soothing closer “Hymn Of The Convergence.” “Paladins Of Ausadjur” implements some really murky atmospheric coats, complimented by the unconventional instrumentation at the end. You can even find death metal growls introduced to the formula in “The Hierophant,” while “Holy Matricide” breaks into melodic gallop territory.

I guess the point is that Valdrin has really flexed their ability to fire at different targets at the same shooting range without showing any real weakness or awkwardness. They’ve been solid with their craft for years, but Throne Of The Lunar Soul brought them up to an incredible status, even if this could have been shortened a little bit. I won’t say that it’s rare that this can be pulled off, but it certainly isn’t common, and I’d say it scratches any black metal itch save for the raw and uncomfortable types. Fans of Craven Idol, Sacramentum, or Stormkeep should be willing to give it the time of day. 

Valdrin - Throne of the Lunar Soul was released Nov. 24th, 2023 via Blood Harvest Records. Find it here!

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