DEWFALL is a black metal band from Italy, who formed in 2003. Their latest release, “Landhaskur,” is their third full-length album; they have also released two demos. According to their bandcamp page, this album tell of “forgotten myth of Winnili (the ancient population known as Longobards) and the atavic pagan cults and traditions they infused during their 200 years kingdom at the doors of the middle age within the Italic Land, during its apparently darkest historical period.” I don’t know anything about this myth (which would make sense since it is apparently forgotten) but the band definitely makes a compelling reason to dive in and explore it more. “Landhaskur,” is worthy of this too. This is definitely an album that demands repeated listens to really get everything it has to offer, although it isn’t bloated or stuffed. Everything here is needed and it’s a testament to the band’s ability to put together a damn fine song.

As their chosen lyrical path might suggest, the band’s atmosphere is rooted in folk and pagan elements however they don’t come off as a folk-infused black metal band at all. With that being said, there are plenty of moments where unorthodox instruments make an appearance. Across the album’s 7 song, 48 minute runtime, cello, and violin mix it up among bouzouki, ocarina, flute, harp, lute and even sleigh bells. It’s compelling and interesting but it mixes so effortlessly and smoothly, the album never loses the extremity among its cold, bleak atmosphere. Beautifully moving cell and violin opens the album on the first song “Fara.” There is a regal, classic touch to the album’s dying beauty and it fits right at home with the tremolo riffs and bass, which can be heard very well and worth every second—Saverio really stands out on the album. Vittorio’s vocals are rock solid and have the perfect tone for the style but throat singing makes an appearance too–again, it’s an element the band has no issues in making work. Around the halfway mark, the tempo kicks up and the riff-based structure gets tighter and more concentrated. Then it goes into a sinister veil while the drums push the song into further extremes.

That’s what makes the album so great—the band changes the songs quite a bit in their journey so each one feels like a separate adventure that still feels like part of the overall whole. On top of all that, nothing sounds rushed or hurried. The band presents their sound as it comes. “Skranna,” is a more direct approach—those blackened riffs are killer! I love how complementary the drums are to the song—-Ambrogio seems to be a “musical” drummer and knows his craft. The intensity of this song is pure fire and uses death metal elements, specifically the lower vocals and drumming. The song breaks around the 2:38 with some sort of wind instrument—-it pairs amazingly well with the drumming by combining an atmospheric touch that still hits hard. Flavio and Nico offer sweet riffs and a melodic guitar solo before jumping back into the fray around the 3:30 mark. This duo can do anything and always pull it off.

The bass on “Maska” hits hard but so does the insane vocals. This song just bursts forth and it’s a rabid frenzy until the 2:11 mark. The drums are clever at this part and helps steer the song into a different direction, one that is more minimalist and melodic but no less effective. The clean chants are a nice touch too, adding a layer of mystery and arcane to the atmosphere. The final song is “Laur", and it is a beast—and my favorite on the album. The variety of instruments in the beginning create a lot of rising action while the catchy drums push it over the edge. The guitars are catchy too, the band settling into a rhythm that made it hard to type this because my entire body was grooving. As the song heads for the middle of its journey, it really embraces its atmosphere and gives us one hell of a guitar solo; I can feel the emotion the band brings to their music.

DEWFALL’s “Landhaskur,” is a stunning album that mixes it up with a large variety of unorthodox approaches to black metal without sacrificing any of the genre’s more traditional elements. Highly recommended.