This uncompromising, antisocial UK horde returns from the underworld with an ode to darkness and evil, appealing to all fans of the most devilish, somber form of Black Metal.

Since their inception back in 2011 in the fires of Cumbria, England, the unrelenting Black Metal horde Úlfarr has stood for uncompromising, antisocial UK Black Metal, or under their own banner of “Cumbrian Black Metal”. Now in 2024 the band formed of Játvarðr on vocals, Dominus on the guitars, and Nosdrahcir on bass and drums is unleashing upon us their sophomore opus, titled Fornetes Folm, following up on their 2023 debut Orlegsceaft, and featuring His Crown Grows From His Skull as a bonus EP on both CD and vinyl LP formats. Mixed and mastered by Nosdrahcir, with artwork by Játvaðr, cover border designs and details by Heortlufu Symbolism, and photo border designs and details by Arabella Cartwright (Voiidlyrkr), the album is an ode to darkness and evil, appealing to all fans of the most devilish, somber form of Black Metal.

The trio makes sure our experience listening to Fornetes Folm is beyond disturbing, starting with the eerie, vile Alarūna, with Játvarðr’s demonic gnarls sending shivers down our spines; followed by Hildeleoma, sounding utterly sulfurous thanks to the sharp, in-your-face riffage by Dominus while Nosdrahcir crafts a thunderous atmosphere with his bass and drums. Algol (As Malice Shone Upon Northward Doors) carries a stunning name for an old school, caustic creation by Úlfarr, again disturbing our damned souls to the sound of the creature-like roars by Játvarðr, and the trio is never tired of invading our senses with pure Black Metal magic like what we get in November, spearheaded by the classic riffs by Dominus. Then Moonskin might be perhaps the strongest song of the album, a tribute to our mighty darkness where all band members exhale sulfur and hatred, in special the razor-edged, thrilling riffs by Dominus.

It’s amazing how Játvarðr can keep growling like in Glæterung without hurting his vocal cords, adding an extra layer of insanity to their already incendiary Black Metal, and they keep the flames of the underworld burning in The Cold Council of Old Shadow, a very detailed, multi-layered display of Black Metal where Nosdrahcir continues to kick some serious ass on drums. The album ends with more evil and darkness in the form of Forn-Jotr, again presenting the band’s trademark riffs, blast beats and devilish vociferations. After the end of Fornetes Folm, we’re treated to the short and sweet bonus EP His Crown Grows From His Skull, where a cryptic intro will blacken your minds before the band comes ripping one more time in Ānforlætan, as demolishing and infernal as it can be, with Nosdrahcir pounding his drums manically in the best Black Metal way imaginable. Lastly, there’s still time for two minutes of pure insanity in In Veneration of the Corpse Eaters Star, a venomous explosion of Black Metal tailored for fans of the genre.

Absolutely vile and impious, Fornetes Folm, potentialized of course by the more-than-welcome bonus EP His Crown Grows From His Skull, is a must-listen for admirers of classic Black Metal, and you can put your dirty hands on such an amazing album by purchasing it from Purity Through Fire’s official webstore, and let’s also hope they restart uploading their albums on streaming platforms because Spotify only has their 2013 split Wulfhere with Hrafnblóð. You can also get in touch with the band on Facebook, letting the caustic waves of Cumbrian Black Metal flow through your damned mind and soul, always in the name of evil, and always praising bands like Úlfarr for keeping releasing amazing music like what’s found in their newborn beast.

Best moments of the album: Hildeleoma, Moonskin and The Cold Council of Old Shadow.

Worst moments of the album: Forn-Jotr.

Released in 2024 Purity Through Fire

Track listing
Fornetes Folm
1. Alarūna 5:42
2. Hildeleoma 5:30
3. Algol (As Malice Shone Upon Northward Doors) 5:26
4. November 3:52
5. Moonskin 5:14
6. Glæterung 4:27
7. The Cold Council of Old Shadow 5:34
8. Forn-Jotr 3:59

His Crown Grows From His Skull (Bonus EP)
9. Intro 2:35
10. Ānforlætan 3:12
11. In Veneration of the Corpse Eaters Star 2:00

Band members
Játvarðr – vocals
Dominus – guitars
Nosdrahcir – bass, drums