Underrated black metal from the Nethers'

Hailing from the Netherlands, Krocht (‘Cavern’ in English) are another of what you might call an underground yet, underrated black metal band.

This is fairly straight forward black metal. Nothing very original or amazing so i use the term ‘underrated’ loosely. However, they obviously have some stand out quality, because they ignited my interest straight away when i first heard them. Ive become some what obsessed with underground, lo-fi, dirty, primitive sounding black metal lately and this band falls perfectly into the category.

The music of Krocht is pretty basic, but then, that's what we’re after aren't we? The riffing is long and drawn out played very fast so we are automatically set into quite and ambient mood. The riffs though, while still kept relatively simple are actually really interesting and original sounding, very melodic too at times but never so much that you lose the mood. There are even a few areas were some classic piano/keys appear to combine with certain parts adding a really nice forlorn atmosphere.

The structure and arrangement is quite progressive though so the tracks mesh together nicely and which keep you interested. You can listen to this release through several times and not realise you have because of the structure and hookieness of the music.

Drumming on this is great. Its mastered nicely so you can still hear it comfortably under the guitar. Overall the drumming is a mix of fast and thrashy (like Satanic Warmaster) to slow, to faint blast beats hanging in the distance.

The first original aspect of the album is probably the lyrical themes which deal with the french revolution and naval warfare. The vocals are well sung, evil, aggressive and not bombarded with effects or reverb. There are two haunting instrumental ambient tracks too which make a really nice addition--taking on the Burzum tradition-- and really give the overall release some depth.

This release is basically a compilation of the first two demos but since it contains all the tracks of them its not really a ‘best of’. Basically its just a convenience and who knows, maybe the are planning to make this into an album.

Overall, quick, nicely crafted, lo-fi black metal with a melodic touch that will set your mind at ease and have you humming all day long.

8.5/10