Review by Adam M on May 16, 2011.

The music of Vreid, an outfit formed by members of the band Windir, contains the ravaging aggression of many Black Metal bands, but balances this out with moody atmospherics that easily raise the act above most bands of the genre. The songs have a jagged rhythm section that often recalls the likes of Dissection combined with a lot of tempo and heaviness shifts, as can be readily seen from the opener 'Arche'. There are also several moments for the listener to catch their breath as a moment of abrasiveness is often changed quickly to a quiet introspective one in seamless fashion. When the riffs are emphasized, they are stylishly done and stand out in the forefront.

Another comparison to make with the band is with both Emperor and Ihsahn, as similarly busy soundscapes are created that feature vocals that are very much like the atypical style of Ihsahn. This album was really an unexpected treat for me and ended up being a more adventurous and atmosphere-heavy release than I had expected. It’s not perfect, however. The sound of the band isn’t incredibly professional, though it is solid and this is seen from tracks like 'Welcome To The Asylum', which are a bit raw for my tastes. The band is also hard to pin an identifiable sound upon, as they vary their style almost too much throughout the length of "V".

Still, I was thoroughly surprised by the quality of the release and it stacks up favourably to almost anything that’s been released in 2011 thus far. Fans of all types of Black Metal will find something to appreciate on this quality album. If Vreid continue to embrace aspects of their music such as the strong sense of melody and variation, they will be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 7.5
Originality: 8.5
Overall: 8.5

Rating: 8.4 out of 10

Review by Kate on March 28, 2011.

Rising from the ashes of the band Windir after the death of frontman, Valfar, Norwegian metallers Vreid (Norwegian word for wrath) have a combined an interesting mixture of Black Metal and Rock And Roll. This Black And Roll brigade includes members Sture on vocals and guitar, Strom on guitar, Hvalle on bass and Steingrim on drums.

The rawness of Sture’s Black Metal vocals mixed with classic guitar riffs along the lines of old Metallica or Sepultura definitely works together nicely. Something like this, Black Metal combined with eighties metal, I would consider to be rather cheesy but the tracks are dark and heavy and carry a considerable amount of power. The first track 'Arche' begins with some heavy riffing that’s supplies a nice groove backed by Steingrim’s intense drumming. Strom’s vocals are absolutely venomous and the guitar solo is very prominent carrying nice melody with it. 'The Blood Eagle' was a little disappointing in the fact that it carried a typical rhythm that I’ve heard on plenty of metal albums in the past, nothing here really that stood out to me. 'Wolverine Bastards' throws you into the pit with vicious blastbeats and shredding guitar that keeps going at breakneck speed until a couple minutes in where it’s broken up by a melodic solo and then throws you right back in. 'Fire On The Mountain' contains more classic guitar shredding and ripping solo but the only thing that’s worrying me here is repetitiveness, there’s nothing really that differentiates one track from the other. It’s all incredibly talented but I want something that’s going to make me stand up and notice and so far it’s not doing it for me. 'Slave' is the only one that changes up the album by slowing down a bit to a nice groove and you can hear some of Sture’s cleaner vocals. The closer 'Then We Die' finishes with haunting guitar and melody supported with Sture’s dark lyrics.

“V” is a decent album that shows a lot of promise. What they lack in variety, which is something that can always be worked on in the future, Vreid more than makes up in talent.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7.0
Atmosphere: 7
Production: 6.5
Originality: 6.5
Overall: 6

Rating: 6.6 out of 10

Review by Felix on April 5, 2020.

Germany is said to be densely populated in view of 232 inhabitants per square kilometre. But if this statement is true, how can we describe Bangladesh with its 1.117 inhabitants in the aforementioned area? Totally overcrowded, but still comfortable in comparison with Singapore (7.842 inhabitants)? Either way, I am happy to know that there is still enough room in Headbangladesh for three dudes to unpack their guitars and drums and play metal. Eternal Armageddon offer 'In Light in Dark in Hate' and I add "in Love", because this album tells me in a matter of minutes that metal will always have a place in my heart. But I should stop this romantic drivel, because here comes a portion of nicely shaped vulgarities. The trio from the capital of its country performs blackened thrash metal with vocals that cross nagging with barking. Isn't it nice to hear how the lead vocalist spreads the raw charm of a biting dog that has sunk its teeth into your fibula, deep enough that your bone is affected? This dude is in a bad mood and he sees no sense in hiding his mental condition, although he rarely contributes narrative elements. However, a formidable performance.

Yet even more interesting is the musical approach. The promo sheet promises the album "transports an individual to a different height of spirituality and intellectual freedom";. Honestly speaking: no. However, I am not resentful, because Eternal Armageddon's music is accessible, but it cannot be blamed for stupidity. The protagonists find the right way between the confusing territory of complexity and the uncluttered fields of straightness. Well, don't shy away in view of the word "complexity". Please keep in mind that we are talking about devilish black thrash, the subgenre where filth generally counts more than high sophisticated song structures. By the way, speaking of filth, I must say that only the lead singer worries about this element. The guitars do not sound overly clean, but they rather spread an aroma like those on a pure thrash album. So what? In combination with the vocals, the overall sound of the material creates a malicious undertone. I like it – and I like that the band starts the album immediately without any intro. Of course, the world has seen some really great openings ("Hell Awaits"!), but usually black thrash was invented to deliver a kick into the pit of the stomach without any superfluous fuss. Fortunately, Eternal Armageddon are aware of this and with the exception of the slightly weaker 'No Lord Above', they are able to transform this guideline into musical feats.

The 33 minutes indicate a compact format and indeed, the songs avoid excessive excursions that make the guitarist's mom happy and everybody else fall asleep. From the spontaneous beginning until the fantastic closer (pay attention to the simple yet outstanding chorus), the output is filled to the brim with vehement, fierce and sharp outbursts. Even though Eternal Armageddon are already active for more than a decade, they operate with this kind of amazing impetuosity which seems to be the privilege of debutants. The dudes wallow in their own riffs and their joy of playing is infectious. Of course, this sounds ambivalent in times of the Corona virus, but here it is meant absolutely positive (nevertheless, I was perplexed to see that the album was recorded at Coronach (!) studios). Let's see whether or not this album will stand the test of time. It has more substance than the more or less comparable here-we-come-here-we-go works of Toxic Holocaust, but I am not yet sure about its long-time effect. On the other hand: who cares? Life happens right here, right now and this trio from South East Asia has given me a lot of good feelings today. I just regret that this seems to be another shitty digital-only release. Lads, can you hear me? Want to send my cash to banging Bangladesh. And maybe the remaining 231 inhabitants within the square kilometre I live want to do the same.

Rating: 8.7 out of 10