Artist: Owl
Country: The Netherlands
Label: Zwaertgevegt
Formats: Cassette Tape
Year: 2023
Although The Netherlands is a small country, it still hosts an interesting Black Metal scene that manifests itself in the most unexpected places. Take for instance the very local Black Metal troupe from Lobith, a small village with only about 3,000 inhabitants and which is mainly “known” for the fact that the river Rhine enters the country here. Okay, most bands from this region are buoyed by only a small handful of the same musicians, but it nevertheless offers up an interesting musical gamut. From this micro-scene also comes Owl, a brainchild of Jeroen Putman, a musician we have seen since the 00’s in bands like Wanklank, Bloedakker and Irrwisch.
With ‘Back To The Cold’, Putman now delivers the fourth Owl full-length album. Those who have heard the previous work know what to expect: ultra raw, cold and back-to-basics Black Metal. Although ‘Terug Naar De Kou’ (‘Back To The Cold’) sounds a bit crisper, it is still far from easy listening Black Metal. The abrasive guitar sound and (ultra) slow-moving riffs will remain difficult to digest for the average Watain listener. However, those who bother to pierce through the stinging sound will encounter a certain beauty that can best be compared to the roughest work of Ildjarn, also bands like Akitsa, Bone Awl or Sort Vokter match Owl in terms of musical approach, however, there is no trace of Punk or Folk on ‘Terug Naar De Kou’. Instead, we are immersed in ultimate melancholy and a sordid sense of unease that, with its suicidal feel, most closely resembles the early recordings of the bands from the infamous Les Légions Noires.
Those who dare can turn to the Zwaertgevegt label, which has developed into one of the flag-bearers of the Dutch Black Metal scene. For just a handful of bucks you will get this jet-black work in the mail.
