Artist: Versteck / Geheimnisvoll
Country: Indonesia / USA
Label: Ancient Horror Records / Nithstang Productions
Formats: Split Tape
Year: 2025
Albeit originating from different parts of the world, both Versteck (Indonesia) and Geheimnisvoll (USA) have amassed a considerable following within the raw and punk-driven Black Metal scene they share, which likely overlaps to some extent. I wouldn’t be surprised if that was the idea when both sides got together and decided to share this new split tape.
Versteck is the band that opens in their rather recognizable sound that is best described as folk-infused Black/Punk. The labels are marketing this side of the tape as combining the “romantic stoicism of European Black Metal with the unforgiveness of Bone Awl and Ødelegger” and, really, that absolutely hits the nail right on the head. It is not only combining two different brands of Black Metal, it is exactly finding the area of both that really binds them. The upbeat Punk rhythm in the first track doesn’t need any explanation and, for that matter, the same goes for the Pagan-like bellowing sing-along parts. But it is the catchiness of those punky vibes and the Pagan ambiance that typifies Versteck, who seems to meticulously seek out that delicate intersection between both niche genres.
Compared to Versteck’s part of the split, Geheimnisvoll is slightly less melodic. Or, better, the melody is slightly less prominent. But, it is obvious that both acts, albeit approaching their idea of Black Metal from more or less different angles, share a common penchant for bareboned, Punk-styled Raw Black Metal. And: that sense for Pagan melodicism. Geheimnisvoll has been around for quite some time now, and their approach to the genre is widely appreciated. It is therefore safe to say that this set of tracks will once again receive the full approval of this leading act’s followers.
