Artist: Chevallier Skrog / Åndutsyn
Country: Czechia / USA
Label: Nithstang Productions
Formats: Split Cassette
Year: 2025
Here we have another split release from the ever-prolific MBN (also in Arzhaabat, Ärschlings, Blau Blut, CEP and a handful more) with his most active project Chevallier Skrog. This time he teams up with Åndutsyn from the USA. While Åndutsyn may be slightly less prominent, this project has also been steadily advancing in the underground Black Metal scene since its inception in 2020. Mainly the last two demos are very rewarding and showcase the undeniable talent of Sceadugenga (also of Geheimnisvoll, Grundhyrde and Wuldorgast, among others).
Chevallier Skrog opens the dance with three tracks that are, how could be any otherwise, slightly different from the band’s last few releases. With the band’s last two full-length albums, ‘Betrayal In Realm Of Two Pillars’ (2024, Into Endless Chaos Records) and ‘Invisible, Immortal (2024, self-released) Chevallier Skrog showed two sides of the same coin. The first being mostly atmospheric and the second one harsher and slightly folky. The three tracks on this split tape are much more in the old Chevallier Skrog tradition, raw and punky. The primitive nature of the music goes very well with the dark and murky production and together it gives the music a rather ancient/occult atmosphere. Musically it feels like a romance between Branikald and Bone Awl, beautiful and ugly at the same time, but also sluggish and pacey, debilitating and menacing, rebellious and organic. Chevallier Skrog is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get…
The other side is obviously Åndutsyn’s. And just as with the band’s previous recordings, the duo shows that they are less unconventional compared to their split partner. The music has a brisk pace and has a much “lighter” production, making the music feel less oppressing. But, that goes very well with Åndutsyn’s fierce and triumphant nature. As a whole the music blends a very distinct Punk-vibe and attitude with the essentials of rather fast-paced Swedish Black Metal from the late 90’s. Sceadugenga’s punishing vocals are worth a separate mention as well, as they complement the music and add much to the overall intensity of the compositions. Maybe these five songs are slightly less convincing than the band’s previous two demo tapes, but they are still a solid addition to Åndutsyn’s slowly but surely growing discography.
