Belgian black metal outfit Wiegedood (death in the cradle) makes another dramatic return with their third album “De Doden Hebben Het Goed” which translates to ‘the dead have it good’. In a span of four years Wiegedood became acquainted with a traditional platform of black metal. And with a unique take on such music that can be described as bleak and frosty style. De Doden Hebben Het Goed III brings a closure to this trilogy with a profound expression. The Belgian trio manifest a sheer density and thick atmosphere of desolation. Surprisingly the line-up is consists of two guitarists, a vocalist and a drummer without any current bass player!
One of the key aspects of the band is how they display an inventive and creative composition into the music. Wiegedood are a straight black metal band that has forged its own identity and sound in a very short period of time. The new album differs from its predecessor, in fact it adds more significance to the musical domain. The third offering is contrived from the methods of the second wave of black metal. And it feel like the members have curate the album with elements which were exposed in their previous work.
The opening track Prowl is stretched to seven minutes long. It’s stirred and spread with bleak a aura of sharp tremolo guitars. The guitars are extended with chunky riffs, while the drums are overtaken by full throttle. The musical aspect is charged with ferity and often stirs the atmosphere to absolute darkness. The vocals are raspy, and they perfectly sound like the vocalist of Mayhem “Atilla Csihar” on the opening track. The rapid shift in musical style and vocals is another merit added to this unique band. Their intelligent ability to create melodies and harmonies without using synth is amusing.
Doodskalm is wonderfully crafted with ethereal atmosphere and slow passages, shifting to sudden direction from total blackness to hypnotic sensation which appeals to mood. The drums are driven with high speed, yet the slow moments captures the true essence of the band’s musical odyssey. The soundscapes drift with inventive sense without any rush, as every element takes its time to manifest. De Doden Hebben Het Goed III title track sets the entire theme to this album, while the same riff is played repeatedly to intensify the aura. This is a monolithic and sorrowful track which lasts for 12 minutes long.
The Belgian trio magnifies its aesthetic art, the album is entirely aggressive and embedded with distorted melodies. De Doden Hebben Het Goed III subtly shifts from aggression to melancholy. The musical structures are arranged effectively, and they are very influenced by the Norwegian black metal bands. Wiegedood are a band of high caliber. The twin guitars illustrate some memorable moments which are driven by icy riffs and blood curdling screams. The impressive blend of eerie passages with spine chilling soundscapes are very captivating. The music is very raw and pummeling in the traditional style of black metal. The melodies and rhythm are utilized, along with some clean guitar sections which are hidden within the song textures. All four tracks have this fierce manner of boldness and malefic evil.
Parool is very close to Emperor’s style, the scorching tremolo are applied with high standards. This track is a seething cauldron of black metal and even with the minimal use of symphonies the atmosphere is surrounded with force. The drums are hyper fast, followed by shrieks and raspy vocals. Although the number of tracks are very limited, the album is a sublime piece of black metal and marvelously versatile. The tracks are very consistent, fixed at high tempo of raging atmospheric black metal. The riff quality is another featured element on this album. Wiegedood are without doubt one of the most talented bands that I have discovered and it’s great to add them into the list of my favorite albums of 2018.
FFO Gogoroth, Emperor, Taake and Winterfylleth.
Release Date: April 20th, 2018
Label: Century Media Records
Track list:
1.Prowl
2.Doodskalm
3.De doden hebben het goed III
4.Parool
