The band’s lineup is led by Ravn (vocals), Archaon (guitars), Seidemann (bass guitar), and Frost (drums) keep a tight performance from the start; and bring in the onslaught of the barbed-wired tremolo riffs, the throat-cutting vocals and the grinding drums drives the hellish fury in the opening song “The God Devourer”. Ultimately, the riffing in the album launches full rapid aggression that recalls bands like Gorgoroth, Tsjuder, and Darkthrone; the songwriting this time has prompted tremolo-laden riffs and conveyed in the old school fashion of Norwegian black metal.

The unrelenting fury of 1349 is mercilessly executed in tracks like “Ash of Ages”. The riffs blaze like hellfire and the rapid drumming is uncompromisingly brutal, yet the tempo perfectly displays the talent of the Norwegian brigade. Riffing is a powerful showing of the energetic elements of thrash metal, the guitar unleashes full fury from the power chords and the heavy bass guitar. The songwriting seemingly sets a furious tone as it shows the early style of 1349, the fast-blasting sections recall albums like “Beyond the Apocalypse” and “Hellfire” thus, exhibiting impressive dynamics and incredible speed.

“The Wolf & The King” is a step forward from the 2019 “The Infernal Pathway”. The album’s highlight is “Shadow Point” which sets an ominous intro with the opening chords painting a grim apocalyptic vision showcasing the vicious drumming that is layered with the fiery riffs that carry the rest of the songs through relentless drum fills.

“Inferior Pathways” hits in full throttle, the blast beats and the thick riffing are full of hooks the album may not be as fast as Tsjuder’s “Helvegr” album, but the band’s cohesive performance maintains the hellish trademark of Norwegian black metal. There are plenty of scathing tremolo-picked riffs that dominate furious moments and chaotic speed, the mid-tempo sections are laden with hooks as they display various tempos they bring into your face; guitarist Archaon proves his professionalism.

The upbeat melodic beginning of “Inner Portal” highlights the songwriting standards of 1349, demonstrating how the quartet honed their craft, the slower moments in this track alleviate the overall grim mood of the song.

The transitions from mid-tempo to blast beats and grim atmosphere are maintained, “The Wolf & The King” offers a wide display of styles, the drum fills of Frost add depth to the songs and the classical tremolo pickings are fast and chaotic. There is a sense of foreboding darkness surrounding the eight tracks where vocals of Ravn shine throughout the album, “The Vessel and the Storm” conveys the high standard of the second wave of black metal in delivering frenetic and chaotic speed.

And while many black metal bands nowadays lean towards the modern atmospheric sound, 1349 still wears its influences with songs like “Obscura” which unleashes a pitch-black heaviness; riffs create a majestic feel and there’s a grim quality in the power chords. The echo in Ravn’s growls masterfully conjures the true spirit of black metal as many moments would remind fans of early Immortal, Gorgoroth, Darkthrone, and Satyricon.

Luckily, 1349 musical prowess and long experience deliver what fans would expect from these veterans. There is a twist of modern and old-school sound that greatly enhances the songs as well and the diversity of the riffing and the drumming in the album is excellent, the final track “Fatalist” offers a wild blend of slower and mid-tempo riffage, and the frantic moments are combined with fast pounding drums, double bass, and they sound superb overall.

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