ÚLFARR is actually part of the CUMBRIAN BLACK METAL collective, which also includes groups such as THY DYING LIGHT, NEFARIOUS DARK, and “HELVELLYN.” “Alarūna” is the first song, and it has a bit of a slow lead-in, until it explodes like a bomb, with galloping drums, and aggressive riffs and vocals. But what it lacks I suppose is personality…it sounds too much like other bands in the genre. “Algol (As Malice Shone upon Northward Doors)” is slower, but unfortunately, still uninventive. It sounds to me like a solid representation of the SWOBM, but the riffs and vocals you have heard before.

It segues into “November,” which might as well be a continuation of the previous song, because it doesn’t sound much different than other songs on the album, or even other songs in the genre. “Moonskin” is another song that drags on with notes of mourning and laments and the vocals are delivered in the exact same manner. Not only that, but some amateur sounds come through here as well. “The Cold Council of Old Shadow” has a similar sound, and at this point in the album, what you hear is what you get. Not all music has to be inventive, but if you are going to do something in a similar way to previous artists, you need to find a way to distinguish yourself.

“Forn-Jotr” is slower, and a bit more dissonant, and the album just lacks flavor. It’s like choosing a lollipop that looks tasty, only to discover that its flavor is dull. This is getting harder and harder to listen to. “Intro” is an oddly placed song…normally, these are first on an album. It is actually pretty easy on the ears, with a solemn melody from clean guitars. “Ānforlætan” has more energy behind it, fueling it to fly. As it does, it does quickly, leaving a trail of smoke in its wake. If more of the songs were like this one, the album could be salvageable. “In Veneration of the Corpse Eaters Star” closes the album, and it’s a short blast of cold air that burns you after it is gone.

This was a difficult album to listen to for a few reasons. First, it was quite vanilla, it terms of the flavor spectrum of music. Second, the vocals were delivered in nearly the exact same way in every song. Third, the riffs were used so many times in the past. What resulted was a fairly bland album.