ORM – GULD
Release Date: 31st October 2025
Label: Indisciplinarian
Bandcamp
Genre: Black Metal
FFO: Afsky, Solbrud, Sunken, Morild.
Review By: Aeons Burning
There were two albums that stood out to me in 2022 for having exceptionally long runtimes: Fiur’s monolithic three-hour long Imperium, and Orm’s comparatively short 92 minute long Intet • Altet. This double album introduced me to Orm, and I was enthralled by the style of long-form buildup they employed throughout. I haven’t returned to Intet • Altet much, but I enjoy it every now and again. I was surprised to learn, therefore, that Orm would be coming back with a new album in 2025, and I was even more surprised to learn that Orm had their newest album Guld under an hour. Focused songwriting is great songwriting, and the promo blurb mentioned that Guld features some of Orm’s most focused songwriting to date. It wasn’t wrong, because Guld is a very solid record that features some pretty epic moments, and all that is bolstered by incredibly tight songwriting.
Each of the five songs present combine melancholic and epic sounds that form the classic Danish sound I’m looking for. Dual guitarists Theis and Simon seamlessly include galloping, heavy metal riffs with melancholic trem-picking. Undfangen is a great example of this, and is an early highlight on Guld because of it. What makes Guld such an easy record to listen to is the fact it makes for a great autumnal companion: this is black metal that best accompanies a nice warm cup of tea on a crisp afternoon, and it’s a record that can easily be spun over and over again. The last two tracks are where Guld becomes gold, though. Udskammet features a beautiful section that’s reminiscent of the folkier parts of Intet • Altet, and it’s a nice reprieve from the constant blasts of the rest of the album. Variety is good, after all. Martret, however, is my favorite track. The ending section of it sends a chill up my spine and sounds eerily similar to my favorite Gorgoroth song – Måneskyggens slave – with the lead melody snaking through the rhythm.
I can’t find a lot of issues with Guld, because it’s just a solid black metal album. Production is sufficiently icy, and each instrument is able to be heard. Songs aren’t too long, and it’s an easy record to listen to on repeat. That being said, Guld is not a record that pushes the mark for me, but it also doesn’t have to. Albums like this are quite nice, because I know what I’m expecting, and I get what I’m expecting. No frills black metal is always welcome, and when it’s pulled off competently, it makes for a better listening experience. If you enjoyed prior Orm records, this one will be no different, and I’m glad Orm made this shorter than Intet • Altet. Sometimes, all I want is by the numbers black metal, and for that reason it’s really easy to pick up Guld over and over. Solid stuff.
(3.5 / 5)
