The very first single by the renamed band Ethelmer. Before 2023, Ethelmer was called Karras and made straightforward death metal. Since the passing of Jelmer (guitarist since the beginning) Karras has changed dramatically and not just musically. Karras changed to Ethelmer to honor the life of Jelmer and started making black metal. Without Jelmer, the band now consists of 3 members, Jean-Paul, Jesper and Kevin. With them all having a big passion for black metal, they finally produced the black metal that they’ve been promising for the last two years. Even though I normally don’t do singles, I want to make an exception for these guys.

 

Before we dive into the music, I have to praise the cover and the logo. The art is done by Timon Kokott but just could’ve been an Albert Bierstadt painting. The logo has been done by Dipayandas Art and is just perfect for the cover. It fits in naturally and looks amazing. Lyric video (that I’ve been listening to for over 45 minutes) has been done by Bas Gijzen. By just looking at the artwork, you will expect something like an atmospheric black metal band with all different types of long drawn out guitars and bird and tree noises but if you read the lyrics, you understand that this is about stories from the vast oceans and the fascinating stories that emerged from said oceans.

 

Now the black metal. ‘Spice and Gold’ gives us a nice introduction with a short story and then dives face first into tremolo-style guitar and double bass drumming. Little while after the droning atmospheric style black metal, the raw raspy vocals of Jesper emerge and give the whole song the final touch. The smooth transitions between parts of the song are done very professionally and Ethelmer certainly knew how to write such smooth transitions. Even with the surprising solo’s that have been smacked right in the middle and last part of the track, Ethelmer makes it feel natural instead of making it like it needs to be there. 

 

For such a young band, Ethelmer has surprised me with their professionalism and musicianship. ‘Spice and Gold’ is a very good track to get the (black) metal fans familiar with the style of melodic/atmospheric black metal that Ethelmer loves to make. I am very intrigued to hear the rest of the album ‘Departure’ when it will drop. Hopefully physical releases but until then, please fixate your ears to the first single of Ethelmer called ‘Spice and Gold’.