On “The Cult of Kariba,” the band return to the mythos that first defined their identity in 2008’s “Lammendam,” expanding it into darker, more elaborate territory. The new EP unfolds as a five-part horror tale rooted in the folklore of Schinveld’s White Lady, now entwined with the sinister figure of Kariba: a poisoner and alleged witch. Through haunting orchestration, blackened aggression, and cinematic scope, the listener witnesses an underground cult’s rituals, a brutal sacrifice, the resurrection of Kariba, and the catastrophic vengeance that follows. Each track builds on the previous, from the ominous opening “A Malevolent Force Stirs” to the apocalyptic closer “Venomous 1666,” where the witch claims the living for her grave.

The album has five songs, and “A Malevolent Force Stirs” is first; a short, orchestral intro, containing strings, brass, and spoken words. “Draw Blood” has a nasty riff that is supported by symphonics, and it also has a catchy groove. The vocals roar in, and the fire that was on the ground rises into the sky. Some of the aggression is tempered with melodies at times, particularly in the piano and string work. The title track is the crowning jewel of the album. Carefully and attentively crafted, it has another catchy riff and plenty of backing orchestral elements. The vocals are filthy, and they give the song a darker and aggressive edge, but the stings, brass, and piano fill out the breadth of the song.

“Ik Kom Uit Het Graf” is a builder…a rising continuation of the sinister tale and the vengeance she waits to fulfill. Heavy, pulsing electronics and the thud of drum strikes hold down the bottom end, while keyboard notes and strings can be heard over top. This is indeed a harrowing tale. “Venemous 1666” closes the album, in grand fashion. You can feel her vengeance rising, and she finally gets a taste of pay back. Some might call this overly produced and overly calculated Black Metal, but I call it an excellent representation of what the genre can offer to fans. At its most primal, the cold, aggressive bite is deep, and at its most ambitious, it is as vast as the ocean. Come and take a trip into the tale and become immersed in its bloody claws.