For a band where its very name is the old English interpretation of Death, Cwealm don't hesitate to make you feel uneasy. "Odes To No Hereafter" is the solo project work of one Astraeus, and is the debut work under this name. A typically Swedish black metal album, "Odes To No Hereafter" is a demanding listen but one that is equally rewarding.

With all of the mutations that black metal has undergone since its inception, it is no surprise that "Odes To No Hereafter" sounds like a sprawling beast covering all aspects of the genre. From the raw tumbling on opener "Saktmorket" to the ups and downs that a track like "Serpent Rebirth" takes you on. It is over 40 minutes of edge of your seat black metal. Taking you from soul crushing lows to the bitterness of blast beats and everything that falls in between.

Produced in the typical black metal style with a rumbling low end and sharp piercing heights, but with slight dynamical range which feels like maturity. It is tracks like "Pale Maleficence" which prove that Cwealm are doing an interesting take upon black metal. Adding in those dynamic ranges when they fit and giving the abilities for certain lines of music to be imprinted on your mind over a week later. Which in the maelstrom of a track like "Black Gall (Poisoned Arrows)" is a promising attribute.

The beauty of band such as Cwealm is that they feel so personal to you. Infectious in their musicality you really feel a connection to them. "Ode To No Hereafter" is no different, it sticks with you and there are moments where it is wholly introspective and these are beautifully crafted amongst the more erratic moments. This creates a wonderful feeling of to and fro on the album that really brings it above a lot of other black metal releases out there.