Description
"De Ghornt" marks a new chapter in Ungfell's legacy, delving deep into the harrowing tales and dark myths rooted in Switzerland's ancient landscapes. Recorded between 2020 and 2024 in Menetekel's lair and the notorious "Crypt"-- the headquarters of the Helvetic Underground Committee (H.U.C.) -- this album is a culmination of years of dedicated work, crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
Ungfell's mastermind, Menetekel, once again takes the helm, handling guitars, bass, synths, main vocals, and lyrics, infusing the album with his signature vision. Drummer Valant not only provides the thunderous percussive backbone but also yells additional vocals to this epic narrative. The album's mix, a collaboration between Karapan Darvish (Dakhma) and Menetekel, ensures that every note resonates with the haunting atmosphere that Ungfell is known for. The final mastering, completed by Greg Chandler (Esoteric) at Priory Recording Studios UK, enhances the sonic depth and underlines the characteristic "Ungfell" sound.
"De Ghornt" is, once again, a concept album. While its predecessor dealt with the destructive consequences of a mountain village gone astray, this album delves even deeper into the mountainous regions as we follow a hunter on his way up to a glacier and into his demise. The album touches on topics that have always been central to human nature, such as ambition, greed, and hubris - all embodied by the hunter. His deeds do not go unpunished, as he is confronted by an entity, a goat-like creature which is known as "Rollibock". The story, based on an old folk tale, is delivered in the band's native Swiss-German dialect.
Musically, the album maintains Ungfell's blend of black metal's intensity with folk influences and atmospheric elements. Traditional acoustic instruments are integrated alongside aggressive guitar riffs and fast-paced drumming, creating a varied sound. The tracks on "De Ghornt" feature dynamic contrasts, moving between intense black metal sections and more subdued, atmospheric moments, mirroring the themes expressed in the lyrics.
Visually, "De Ghornt" is brought to life by Svatohor / Matus S. Durcik's evocative album cover, which perfectly captures the album's eerie and mystical themes. Band photos by Dungeoncinth and the layout, designed by Valkenstijn in collaboration with Menetekel, further enhance the album's dark aesthetic.
"De Ghornt" offers a compelling blend of black metal and folklore, drawing listeners into a world shaped by nature, tales, and myth. With this release, Ungfell further mark their unique standing within the black metal genre. Be prepared -the horned beasthasarisen!
"While many come up to the plate of black metal to make some attempt at bringing something different to the table, few can do it as damned well as what Ungfell has done in the past with this particular outing something special."
- Headbanger Reviews
"Overall, Ungfell continue to surprise in delivering consistently good black/folk metal that feels fresh and unique, while also remaining true to the core tenets of black metal." - Toilet ov Hell
- Swiss black metal band Ungfell return with their fourth album
- Deluxe Digipak CD package!
- Mastered by Greg Chandler at Priory Recording Studios UK
- "few can do it as damned well as what Ungfell has done" - Headbanger Reviews
- Featuring hype sticker on the front, highlighting the package/release
- For Fans of: Urfaust, Whoredom Rife, Djevel, Aara, Horn, Fluisteraars, Macabre Omen, Faidra
