Finnish Grieve could not have worked with the more appropriate label than Werewolf Records for the release of their debut eponymous 2-track EP. Ran by Lauri Penttila (Satanic Warmaster mastermind), the label has an ear for a good Finnish talent when it hears one. Grieve gives that vibe, that mid90s Finnish sound, which is not as cantankerous and ghoulish as Satanic Warmaster, and less warpath and more introverted Sargeist, yet all the while melodic, rapacious and soulsearching. Azaghal is my closest comparison, with piercing vocals, sometimes switching to cleaner proclamations and lamentations. The Spiteful Scourge sees rhythm guitar unleashing the raging storm of electricity, while a melodic line is always accommodated, sometimes with a use of a synthesizer. Riding the melodic waves of the darkened souls is what The Spiteful Scourge does. Less caressing, Lohduton is musclier, more monumental and has drum sound buttressing its foundations. Short, but very much to the point, Grieve may lead you to believe it is funeral doom, given Finnish origin. Yet, this is melodic black dark metal of the purest kind. Released today, but sounding like the release from 20-25 years ago, the EP punches above its length.