With the surge of talent coming out of the German underground we have here WOLVES DEN. Conceived in 2013 by Helge and Mexx, both veterans of various other bands, they have had relative success with their debut album "Deus Vult" back in 2015. However, we have here their next release "Miserere" and I look forward to seeing where the Black/Death outfit have chosen to move with this next installation.

The artwork, created by Lisa Vinstervan is eye catching. Depicting a ghoulish figure cradling a man. Could it be death come to take this man away? I guess that's the beauty of it, it is open to one's own interpretation. Opening with "Tides Of Hate" we are instantly struck by ominous dulcet tones that hang on the breeze to create a discouraging atmosphere. That is of course before we are thrust into aggressive riffs and relentless drum lines. The military style snare sections give the feel of an army marching forwards, this progressive effect from Manuel is kept throughout as he drives the track forwards from behind his set. The subtle choral overtone in the background during segments was a delightful addition I thought. We continue the march forwards as we return to the earlier snare rhythms, until finally it halts.

"Der Frost In Mir" is a chilling song. With a heavy anguishing overtone full of despair and desperation. The effects that are created for this track, particularly through the guitars is absolutely sublime. The track pulls all of the musical elements together perfectly capturing the title perfectly I would think, for those unaware Die Frost In Mir translates to The Frost In Me.

With "Haresie" we come to some of the more religious, or in fact anti-religious, stylings that are commonplace in Black Metal. The track is very clearly heavily influenced by the genre throughout, from the aggressive guitar riffs, wailing overtones and brutal rhythms on the drums. This is sure to be a classic for the album. Next, we come to "Melancholera". With a slow fading in introduction. Slow and deliberate, almost sluggish some could be forgiven to say. Whilst it may appear to pick up later on, this is a very clever and well used effect, as half of the music does in fact increase in tempo the overall flow of the track is still kept at that very deliberate flowing pace. With the title combining Melancholy and Cholera you instantly know that this should not be a happy-go-lucky track but instead it is to be a macabre affair and WOLVES DEN deliver on this assumption.

Finally, there is "Nameless Grave", the longest track on the album at a little over seven minutes. It sees out this offering of death, despair and all things dark. With an ominous opening before being thrust into the well-established sound of WOLVES DEN all of the members playing their parts well to create a wall of music, so thick, rich and wonderful that it is incredible to hear. The track ebbs and flows through various levels of intensity as each of the members of WOLVES DEN take their time in the spotlight and showcase their musical ability.

Overall, this is a fantastic album that will do well in the scene. With the stereotypical Black Metal stylings and sounds being taken and warped, remoulded and spewed unto the world with the WOLVES DEN touch on them, I can't wait to see where they go from here.