Sarke

On his first solo record, drummer Sarke (Khold, Old Man's Child, Tulus) plays all the instruments and has enlisted vocalist Nocturno Culto (Darkthrone), resulting in a satisfying, grim, crunchy album. Whether Vorunah offers anything new or interesting to metal is up to the listener, and ultimately isn't the point. The album is done in a certain style ― a throwback to early '90s black/thrash metal with a current twist, and in that way Vorunah is incredibly successful. Being nearly entirely mid-paced, Vorunah has the potential to be wearisome, yet somehow Sarke manages to reengage the listener throughout while maintaining the overall simplicity. Doom-y breakdowns, eerie keyboards and the odd faster piece keep it from getting stale, while Nocturno Culto's gravelly vocals are an appropriate contrast to the bleak musical landscape. Certainly not for every black metal fan, but a treat for those wanting a pretty convincing burst of nostalgia from a bygone era.