Artist: Ninkharsag
Country: United Kingdom
Label: Vendetta Records
Formats: 12″ EP / CD EP
Year: 2025
Of course, when you have heard something good or “discovered” a new band, you really want nothing but more of it. But personally, I also find it rather nice, especially in this age of fleeting consumption and short attention spans, that a band resists the pressures of modern times and takes the time to come up with something new. After the release of ‘The Dread March Of Solemn Gods’ and its rave reviews, it would not have been inconceivable for Ninkharsag to rush headlong into a sequel. Nevertheless, we had to wait almost four years for new material, however, the long wait has now been rewarded with a magnificent new EP that is once again brimming with powerful and strongly composed Melodic Black Metal.
Just like ‘The Dread March Of Solemn Gods’ this new EP is graced with a cover that very much captures the nature of the music: adventurous and fantastic, yet icy and powerful. In just over 20 minutes Ninkharsag shows how they continue the musical path that was chosen with this EP’s predecessor. Obviously, Ninkharsag’s offering is built on the musical legacy of that revered Dissection and Sacramentum sound, yet while it might not sound quite original, the British band chose to further develop that specific formula. The result is an even more Heavy Metal-based approach of the already rather classic Dissection-esque song writing; lots of interesting leads and solos are presented, but it is especially the catchy and the Heavy Metal structures that makes Ninkharsag to stand out from the pack of current Melodic Black Metal bands.
Basically, very much in line with the last few Necrophobic records, ‘The Black Swords Of Winter’ is a piece of music that is best enjoyed as whole, as opposed to the ongoing trend of releasing three singles before the actual record is unleashed. The entirety of the EP is something to celebrate for those who are into that typical Swedish dynamic Melodic Black Metal style: the melodies and fiery riffs come in expertly balanced. Adding to the total experience is a rather clean and crisp production, which, for a change, is a good thing and allows the music to fully shine. None of the individual instruments, elements and passages feels inferior to the other, adding much to the overall feeling of musical coherence. The EP, as a whole, is a true testament to the band’s skilful song writing and their good sense for productional values.
In terms of excellence Ninkharsag are still outshined by a band like Moonlight Sorcery, but I am very happy to see more bands taking this specific musical path and strengthen the Heavy Metal component of the tried-and-tested Dissection concept. This follow-up to ‘The Dread March Of Solemn Gods’ might have been overdue, but it was definitely worth the wait. I would be surprised if anyone who liked the band before is to be disappointed, as this newest piece is an obvious step up from the band’s earlier work.
