After the Second Wave of Black Metal (that happened between the late days of the 80s and early days of the 90s), the genre finally had a definitive formula that its most classical features are respected by all Black Metal acts throughout the world, no matter what they’re musically doing. The core of what BATHORY, HELLHAMMER/CELTIC FROST, VENOM, SARCÓFAGO, SODOM, DESTRUCTION, KREATOR and others who contributed for the genre is still there, but with a definition given by MAYHEM, ROTTING CHRIST, MARDUK, SAMAEL, DISSECTION, BEHERIT, IMPALED NAZARENE and others. And all of their creations earn bands a lot of references, and on SLECHTVALK’s work on “At Death’s Gate” (their sixth album).

Besides the words above, this Dutch band unleashes a violent and personal form of Black Metal with fast tempos in some moments, slow and atmospheric on others (with the helping of somber parts of the keyboards), and with excellent instrumental arrangements and a massive onslaught of energy. But pay attention: the band is rich on Black Metal influences, with epic moments contrasting with eerie melodic traces and brutal blast beats. And it’s different and excellent! As happened on their previous full-length, “Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide”, they chose to work with Lasse Lammert as producer (and he did the recordings, mixing and mastering as well). And the sonority is defined, clean and with everything listenable; but at the same time, many features of Black Metal recordings can be heard as well (as the instrumental tunes). The somber and beautiful cover art is a creation of the Armenian graphic designer Mark Erskine of Erskine Designs.

The songs of “At Death’s Gate” can be said as an answer to the band’s fans after 8 years since, and it’s a relieve to them (to be honest, to all Black Metal fans). And what’s delivered on “Paralysed by Fear” (a brutal and fast song filled with insane blast beats and darkened ambiences, and what great contrasts created by clean vocals and the insane shrieks), “At Death’s Gate” (this one depicts the band’s musical core that is contrasts between fast and slow rhythms with excellent melodies weaved by the cutting-edge guitars, due its long duration, it’s filled with charming dark arrangements), “The White Raven” (some Old School Melodic Black Metal influences are heard here, and it’s impressive how the melodic arrangements and aggressiveness can be attached so perfectly), “Fight ‘Till the End” (another excellent moment boosted by eerie melodies and charming rhythmic contrasts, with clean vocals appearing in the right moments), “Death” (this one will be a delight for those fans of Old School Melodic Black Metal), and… Oh, please, there’s no need to write more words, because “Night of the Locusts”, “Enshrouded”, “The Destroyer” and “Heritage” are excellent songs as well and keep things interesting and great!

For the fans of the band, “At Death’s Gate” is truly great and compensates the 8 years. And SLECHTVALK’s music is what all Black Metal fans can ask for. 🤘🏻 🤘🏻 🤘🏻