Confession. I discovered ERNTE, the True Helvetic Black Metal duo from where else but Switzerland—aka Helvetia—way late in the game. Second confession, my YouTube algorithm actually recommended them. I'm have no shame over of this, though. The metal underground is as deep as it is dark, and one should make use of all available tools to excavate its treasures. As far being late to the game, hell, ERNTE formed in the year of our plague, 2020, so I'm not too far behind.

On Friday 13, February 2026 ERNTE will release their fourth full-length album, "Der schwarzen Flamme Vermächtnis" (trans: the black flame legacy), via the venerable Purity Through Fire. It is seven tracks—approximately 40 minutes—of Second Wave Black Metal done up right.  

ERNTE has maintained the same studio lineup since its inception—that is, V Noir and Akahex—so the consistency from album to album is strong. "Der schwarzen Flamme Vermächtnis" is no exception. "Der schwarzen Flamme Vermächtnis" wastes no time with a short intro track to set the ambience, or an instrumental interlude to offer a break, or even an outro to float us back out to a more peaceful space. It's just seven evil ass tracks to transport our souls to the dark, frigid woodlands of a dreaming god. The album is both atmospheric and raw, creating a sonic greyscape of tremolo, distortion, and, of course, infernal vocals: The trifecta of True Helvetic compositions.    

My pick of standout tracks includes "Lord of the Ascending Flame." This longer track includes an extended spoken word section with Askahex performing what sounds like an invocation. I'm usually not one for spoken word, but the juxtaposition with her guttural vocals adds a certain texture to the track. The final guttural cry is perfection. I should add that if invocations are your thing, ERNTE goes hardcore Pagan Folk with "Wo sie wandelt" which features bare percussion and some eerie violin. Also, and this is no upbeat shanty-infused Folk, think funereal Doom. 

Next on my list is "To Ashes." The simple melody of this track is utterly haunting. Even when the track descends into discord, you can still hear the underlying melody reminding us that after the flame is gone, its memory will be held in the ashes. Also on my list is the final track, "Ritval Pyre." Breaking from the Atmospheric hellscape, this track gets practically Punk. Never letting up the frenetic tempo, this might be the heaviest track on the album. Great closer.

ERNTE gives us an altar full of second-wave Black Metal with "Der schwarzen Flamme Vermächtnis," reminding us that the old traditions are sometimes the best, especially the dark ones. Great way to start the New Year.