Review by Jeger on January 10, 2026.

There's a lot of bullshit Black Metal out there. The kind of shit that makes a man who appreciates the Art in its most authentic forms like myself' skin crawl, whether it be some of the romantic BM out there that's becoming increasingly popular or poser bands like Pestlegion who understand nothing of Satanism and merely use associated imagery/themes as a way to fit in with the scene and sell records. Will these fucks ever get it? The answer is no… But on the real end of the spectrum, on the BM as a vessel for pure evil front we find Doedsvangr - an international collective of Artists who've - since their inception in 2014 - released two full-length studio LPs: 2017's "Satan Ov Suns" and 2021's "Serpents Ov Old". The latter was released via Debemur Morti Productions.

You put it on and instantly you know - a deeper understanding of what constitutes the most wicked BM experience is felt as the opening title-track blasts off into effect with surging riffs and pulsating blast-beats. Grimy growls and fiendish roars resonate through it all, oftentimes during parts of the record where all other phases are stripped away; allowing for you to fully embrace the filth. Mixed and mastered to perfection: the tonality of the drums provides an atmospheric kick and each phase, including the drums, is outlined and pieced nicely together with the next. "Flagelist" - the detailing of a Medieval form of self-mutilation that was administered by Zealots upon themselves as a means to atone for sins and a musical specimen of riff-driven Black Metal that brings to mind Carpathian Forest or Taake.

Just a nasty banger of a Black Metal album… And the midway point crime, "White Finger", only compounds the situation with Satyricon-level Black & Roll vibes: slow tempo, patient double-bass currents and HansFyrste-like animalistic vocals. Nothing catchy or repetitive. "Serpents Ov Old" is more of a linear progression of sonic events that play out with familiarity yet unpredictability. And now for the ripper… "Black Dragon Phoenix" - the most aggressive cut on the album but also the most melodic. Lethal alternations between violent riffs/blasts and loose rhythms/abstract parts transpire. Another track that exudes the Norwegian vibe, but also a unique sentiment of its own.

FFO true fucking Black Metal unleashed with lethal precision and modern day clarity. Definitely not a typical throwback to the early '90's but more of an homage to New Wave glory when bands like Watain and Svarttjern began their careers. Just that nicely balanced combination of old-school evil and contemporary dynamics. I wouldn't call it perfect by any means, but perfection and BM don't really jive anyway. What we have here is merely a middle finger to posers and a reprieve from dickless Black Metal.

Some call it evolution, I call it sacrilege. Some of the music out there that passes for Black Metal these days is just so bad for the future of the genre. Conservation must be a priority; the weeding out of cancerous bands and of poser musicians for a dignified tomorrow. "Serpents Ov Old" and bands like Doedsvangr shall act as reminders of the direction in which the genre should be steered moving forward. Great album, important band and definitely licking my chops for some new material.

Rating: 8 out of 10