Valborg - Werwolf / Ich bin Total
Temple of Torturous
Dark Metal
2 songs (8'38")
Release year: 2016
Temple of Torturous
Reviewed by Alex

Dark metal may have many definitions, and a large number of difficult to categorize bands can be lopped into that category. Progressive, somberly melodic Evergrey, industrially black Aborym and constantly evolving Moonspell and Rotting Christ can all be called dark metal.

German Valborg play nothing of the kind listed above, and have their own take on the genre shifting it into more deathy doomy territory, but less into the melodic direction of My Dying Bride, and more so towards viscous, resinous, methodical pounding first propagated by the likes of Celtic Frost. Valborg then takes this foundation, dons black suit outfits, and applies a gothic angle to it all, creating unusual atmosphere. The two track EP was released after a European tour in response to the fans demands. Werwolf is less atmospheric, sticks to bread and butter systematic riffs, reinforcing the impression of dark clad robed figures marching in a monotonous procession, swaying to the rhythms, chanting as if in a trance. Ich bin Total has more gothic atmospherics towards the end, but the track still carries the feeling of unpleasantness, rot and decay prevailing alongside machine-like efficiency chug.

If the band thinks their sound is represented by the EP, perhaps those unfamiliar with Valborg can get a glimpse of it based on Werwolf/Ich bin Total. This would not necessarily be something I immediately gravitate toward and start researching in depth. Almost too depressing without being engaging.

Killing Songs :
Alex quoted no quote
Other albums by Valborg that we have reviewed:
Valborg - Crown Of Sorrow reviewed by Goat and quoted 84 / 100
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