Slagmaur is making a comeback.
After several years under the name Norske Synder, the Norwegian band has opted for its current identity and is forging a reputation for itself on the scene. In 2026, General Gribbsphiiser (guitar), Dr. Von Hellreich (vocals), Mr. Unt Zilla (bass), and Red Max (drums) joined Prophecy Productions to unveil Hulders Ritual, their fourth album, with producer Snorre W. Ruch (Thorns).
We dive right into the heart of the matter with Ritual Dogs, a fairly short and very direct first track that immediately plunges us into the dirty, oppressive sound that the band has mastered, to which they add menacing vocals. The icy melodies blend perfectly with the aggressive touches, finally leading to Wildkatze, where the atmosphere becomes heavy again, still rooted in the crackling and impenetrable Old School tones that make it so charming, but we also note a certain nostalgia in this composition, particularly in the long harmonics. The finale is much more soaring, unlike Huldergeist, a track on which the band welcomes D.G. (Misþyrming), Hoest (Taake), and Maria Charlotte Lund to create a veritable hurricane of Black Metal as cold as impressive, while the rhythm section rages at a good pace, sometimes interrupted by a few voices. The track runs out of steam a little after the halfway point, then picks up again for a more haunting passage before reaching the disturbing Hexen Herjer, which multiplies the dark elements to make its rhythm suffocating, while the vocals allow themselves even more anguished liberties. Warlok returns to the most impure essence of the style to create massive riffs, neither too aggressive nor too slow, over which the vocalist unleashes himself, making the moment almost mystical before Rathkings strikes, calling D.G. (Misþyrming) back and summoning Silenoz (Dimmu Borgir, Insidious Disease) on vocals to complete the assault and make this last track a veritable weapon of dark destruction in every respect, whether in its violence or its suffocating atmosphere.
For his return, Slagmaur has chosen violence. While Hulders Ritual may confuse some with its sizzling riffs infused with darkness, it will delight its audience and take us back to the essence of the second wave of Norwegian Black Metal.
90/100
