Review by Jeger on July 15, 2024.

The Ukrainian black metal scene - proud, long-established and steeped in NSBM controversy with bands like Roman Saenko’s Drudkh and Hate Forest along with the legendary Nokturnal Mortum at the fore of the movement. And while I find the idea of Aryan supremacy to be a brain dead concept, I do support Aryan/national pride 100% Pride in heritage, traditions, pagan/heathen history and ancient bloodlines. Got a problem with that? Find a different black metal portal… The aforementioned Nokturnal Mortum have been true champions of both black metal and heritage since the dawning of the Ukrainian movement, and to say that their records are all masterpieces would actually be an understatement. This band has been cutting exceptional black metal record after exceptional black metal record since 1997’s “Goat Horns” as one of the international scene’s most respected bands. In 2009, Nokturnal Mortum released what is in my opinion their greatest triumph outside of the previously mentioned “Goat Horns”, “Голос Сталі” (The Voice of Steel).

Much like Thunderbolt’s 2007 “Apocalyptic Doom” or Satanic Warmaster’s most recent “Aamongandr” LPs, “The Voice of Steel” is not some stonewashed throwback to the early 90’s. There is this notion that true BM can actually come fully equipped with proper recording, grandiose atmosphere and cover art that hasn’t been sketch drawn. I, for one, am of the mind that some black metal records are deserving of such pampering, particularly when said album features comprehensive tracks like “Валькирия” (Valkyrie) that span the breadth of both traditional and outlying influences from classic Mayhem-heralding tremolo riffs to soulful, jazzy parts where the atmosphere is mostly stripped away; exposing the slow hand finesse of every guitar lead - bluesy even - a testament to BM’s versatility and Nokturnal Mortum’s expansive talents. The following track, simply titled “Ukraine” - a folkish and racing number crafted with traditional folk instruments along with conventional metal implements. Majestic backing vocals to overlay some heavy metal swag guitar riffs and this overwhelming sense of rhythm-induced euphoria. Uber-melodic clean vocal choruses that whip the spirit into a prideful froth. Over an hour’s worth of competition and world-beating BM that pushes the limits of folk, symphonic and atmospheric soundscapes. Oh yeah, and those fucking guitar leads. Did I mention those?

If you haven’t realized by now that black metal is the most meaningful genre of music the world of extreme metal has to offer then there is no hope for you. Crack open a Budweiser, listen to some Revocation and just forget about albums like “The Voice of Steel”, because you are not worthy! So much thought and so much passion put into every song and not just a bunch of technical bullshit composed with the idea of impressing other musicians in mind. It’s like this thing never ends, and it’s not like you would actually want to escape the ensnaring melodic sensibility of “Моєї мрії острови” (My Dream Islands) or the captivatingly atmospheric “Шляхом сонця” (Path of the Sun). Not sure what Nokturnal Mortum were trying to prove here other than the fact that they are the very best of the symphonic/atmospheric/folk world, but in all actuality, such acclamations are of no concern to them, for their music is staunchly the product of a deep-running passion for Ukraine and for black metal.

Kings of the underground! Champions of the Ukrainian movement and prideful revelers in its rich and complex history. Inspiration to bands like newcomers Bergrizen who are also making their impact on the scene and visionaries who, despite their many naysayers, still and unabashedly thrive within the throes of pride in who they are and where they came from. For a nation to lose touch with its history and traditions is the greatest sin! To lose focus on the values that once turned little boys into great men and to admonish ways of olde as antiquated in the name of progressivism has become the norm. Albums like “The Voice of Steel” are important because of this - one of the greatest BM albums ever created - a silent on the mainline but a deeply impactful recording nonetheless that has stirred the souls of all who’ve been fortunate enough to hear it. Put it on a pedestal where it belongs…

Rating: 10 out of 10