Review by Jeger on October 13, 2026.

When cruelty comes into conversation's equation and when one thinks of inexplicable acts of barbarism, naturally, someone like Ted Bundy comes to mind. But what of crimes against Humanity committed on a mass scale? The shit that makes Bundy seem like Mr. Rogers… They are the scourge of History - maniacs who deserve a little recognition as being some of History's greatest monsters: Mengele, Genghis Kahn, Pol Pot, Vlad Țepeș… Each one of these Men were responsible for innumerable atrocities; the kinds of things you never even thought a Human Being would be capable of, but alas, amidst the gruesome experiments, the population-diminishing genocides and the grotesque impalements, there is much to inspire the dark Artist…

Within the realm of Extreme Metal, namely Black Metal, History and the masochistic ways of Man have been detailed with fervor. Always fresh material and inspiration to be had so long as the Human war/murder machine keeps revving. Over in Finland, there is a Black Metal soloist known as Josam operating under the Days Ov Yore banner, and despite the notoriously Occult-inspired nature of the Scene, this Man's modus operandi lies in the heart of storytelling. This year, Days Ov Yore decided to bestow upon us a two-part volume of Black Metal that details the ruling methods, military campaigns and the acts of savagery associated with the aforementioned Vlad Țepeș - Vlad III - Vlad the Impaler… In June, they released "The Tale of Vlad Țepeș Part I" and just a few months later in September, they released "The Tale Of Vlad Țepeș Part II" - a pair of beautifully packaged, steeped-in-classicism albums that cast Melodic Black Metal in a most compelling light. After all, who isn't fascinated by acts of unspeakable evil?

Just like its predecessor, "The Tale Of Vlad Țepeș Part II", is a highly visual piece with narrations and epic cinematic parts, while musically, Days Ov Yore just ignites the atmosphere with energetic guitar riffs, elegant keyboard accents and a multi-faceted vocals contribution that collectively create immersion on a deep scale. Following a boldly narrated intro during the opening title-track that details Vlad's reunification of Wallachia and his revenge against the Ottoman Empire, a myriad of complex rhythms, intrepid bass lines and harmonious guitar parts unfold during the track's final half. The following track, "Poenari Rises", opens in equally captivating tones, but with only the core instruments this time and we're getting deep into the heart of some Black Metal now… we're racing through this one in triumphant fashion as expert shifts in tempo and rolling melodies, the sound of steel upon steel and the echo of the vocals, all come together.

What I've stumbled upon in these two albums are two prime examples of why Black Metal is superior: it's deeply Historical concepts, its unabashed excursions into the sphere of killing and just the conducive-to-the-fantastical atmosphere are like nothing you get out of Genres like Thrash or DM. Which is why I question the intelligence of any Man who listens to Extreme Metal, but dislikes Black Metal. These people are misinformed or stupid, because albums like these are - even though they aren't the highest ranking - a couple of fine recordings for obvious reasons. Folkish tones in "Sultan's Tax" are redolent to those of Ukraine's Nokturnal Mortum, and such a vibe is continued with the following track, "Voivode's Song". Visions of bonfire-sweat-soaked Eves under starlight; striking up the music in celebration of wartime victories.

If you have a pulse, you will enjoy both of these benchmark Black Metal albums. A little something different coming out of Suomi this year. Love me some Horna but Bloody Valkyria is great, too! And so is Days Ov Yore - an epic-spawning, History-enlivening Black Metal project with aspirations for nothing other than the creation of true Finnish Melodic Black Metal. Masters at the art of storytelling and world-class Artists through and through. Hails to Vlad III! We could use a guy like him around these days…

Rating: 8 out of 10