From their EPK, “The Dutch band SLECHTVALK have been making their mark on the European metal scene since 1999 and have been delighting fans of Symphonic, Folk, Black and Viking death metal for the past 25 years. While some bands lose their bite over the years, they present themselves more extreme and brutal than ever before on their sixth longplayer “At Death's Gate.” Fans of the band, who had to wait eight years for a follow-up to “Where Wandering Shadows and Mists Collide,” will be delighted with “At Death's Gate.” The Dutchmen create a dense, dark atmosphere with impressive precision, one moment creating a melodic tapestry of sound and the next bludgeoning everything to the ground.”

The album has nine songs, and “Paralysed by Fear” is first, and it’s a full sonic blast of sonority, with a thick wall of guitars, vocal screams, and drums that seem to move faster than the speed of lightning. The clean vocals are a surprise, but they fit nicely in this dark sound. “The White Raven” hears some of the smoke clear from the first song to allow some of the riffs to breathe, and be more clearly heard. It has a very depressive quality to it, but it also roars up in anger at times. There is also some excellent guitar work in this song as well. “Fight to the End” is like a war cry, and the song reflects that resolve. So far, the band blends several genres together quite well, and this one has some Viking influence.

“Death” is a burner out of the gates and does not let up. Death rides out of the pit on a horrible steed and begins to slay everyone in his path, and the scratchy vocals and bossy guitar work are two of the best parts of this song. “Night of the Locusts” sounds like a fast descent down a staircase into the very pit of Hell. The guitar work is powerful, the vocals are relentless, and the drums are ever-present. “Enshrouded” shows more of the band’s delicate and symphonic side, with an entering of solemn strings. It drips with emotion, including when the harsher sound enters, and you feel lost within their world, with no way out. “The Destroyer” moves with a calculated authority and a take no prisoners attitude. The destroyer is loyal to no one, has no master, and no remorse. “Heritage” closes the album, with some smacks of melody amidst the regal sound.

At its base, I think it’s smart to call this Black Metal, but there is so much more going on. The veteran bands knows how to seamlessly blend many other styles of Metal into their aggressiveness, which includes Death, Viking, and Symphonic notes. They also prove to be masters of their trade, and excellent musicians. This album will definitely please their die hard fans, and gain them some new ones.