Before we cast off 2025 like some disturbing dream and forge onward into the promise of a new year, let's check the crevices and all the dark spaces to make sure we didn't overlook something. Something like a debut album from a German retro 90's Black Metal band, something like "Poems of Spellcraft" by DRACULUM.

The band explains that '"Poems of Spellcraft" was written and recorded in five days in the dunes of Noord-Holland in the summer of 2023.' While clearly a Black Metal endeavor, it leans heavily into storytelling and atmosphere building, unfolding dark narratives chapter by chapter, track by track. There is a heavy Gothic vibe here, more so from the keyboards and baritone (though still harsh) vocals than from overly dramatized emotions. I can't make out all the lyrics, but I get the sense that these are not songs about unrequited love . . . though you never know. I mean, Unda (see track 2) does refer to the mythological Undine, water spirits known to acquire coveted human souls by marrying unsuspecting men.

Each of the six tracks is a bit of mystery, beckoning the listener to unravel them. Signposted by year, the titles hint at a possible unified narrative if not by characters than at least by theme. Again, something of an enigma—you know, like a puzzle box you find in the basement of an abandoned cabin out in the middle of some forgotten woods. 

Standout tracks are many, but selection includes the final track, "1914 - A Spell (An Excellent Way to Get a Fairy)." This track curiously bears the oldest year of all the songs, so it may actually be the first act of the narrative deliberately held back until the end like a big reveal. Or not. Coming in at over ten minutes, this track winds through multiple movements. From menacing synths to melodic tremolo to vocals oscillating from booming and almost spoken to demonic taunting, this track covers a lot of hellscape. You gotta love this track for sheer variety of style.

"1925 The Cats" is another favorite for me. This one eases in with a nice acoustic intro paired with a soothing synth melody. When the vocals claw their way in through, you get the feeling that things will not end well in this story. Personally, I'm hoping the song is about Lovecraft's "Cats of Ulthar," but without the lyrics I really don't know. More mystery. Musically, this is probably the mellowest track on the album, but I think it still stands out if only for its difference. There are also some nice choir-like vocals near the end which add more Gothic flair.

An additional notable track is "1995 The Journey," which balances brutal Black Metal assault with an eerie keyboard melody that whispers insane asylum. "1917 - A Garden" is another prize track. Classic melodic BM, this one.     

2025 gave us a lot of great extreme metal and it isn't done revealing its treasures. If you missed DRACULUM's "Poems of Spellcraft," you still have plenty of time. The album has been available for digital download as of October 24, 2025 but for those who prefer hardcopy, CD and vinyl will be available for shipping in January and February 2026, respectively.