Hulder – The Eternal Fanfare
Release Date: 1st July 2022
Label: 20 Buck Spin
Bandcamp
Genre: Black Metal, Glam Metal, Thrash.
FFO: KAncient, Gehenna, Enslaved.
Review By: David Oberlin
Sombre, morose, the introduction is to The Eternal Fanfare is both ethereal and seductive. Sentiments that are issued out in dungeon synth-esq interludes interspersed throughout the record. It is great to hear that niche approach to black metal is alive and warring against the over-saturation of anxiety inducing Wailo [it is like screamo but with more treble. – Ed]
Post introduction sees the genre staple of harsh tremolo picked guitars that expose the listener to a gale force wind rampaging through the forests of yore. The coarse tones will not only knock your hat off, but flip your wig and float it too.
That is, if the previously mentioned wig was not already nailed down to the scalp; Inspired by the lo-fi production value of early black metal. Both the sound and the riffs are ambitious to try and replicate the surprise success of the emerging genre. But, the ideas here are both realised with earnest, and this mini LP rides the nostalgia train in its own style.
The Eternal Fanfare is an interesting prelude to a forthcoming album. Its strengths are all tried and tested and a perfect example of how musical atavism can disrupt the social zeitgeist. That comes with a price though, and like the grandiose posturing of the 90’s movement, Hulders’ poetic dissemination can come across as pretentious. While the Glam in grayscale positioning might be off-putting to some as a narrative device, it works fine.
Hulder is two official releases into a promising career. The Eternal Fanfare reignites the free-form style of blackened glam. And, gives it some well needed fresh air.
(3 / 5)
