Vredehammer - Viperous (2020) Hi-Res

VREDEHAMMER is a black and death metal band from Norway. Originally formed in 2009 as a solo project from Per Valla, VREDEHAMMER has gone on to become a full outfit releasing two full-length albums. They return to the fold to unleash their brand-new album, “Viperous”. At first listen, I was completely caught off guard by the intro track, “Winds of Dysphoria”. I was not sure what to expect form the band, but you get hit with an electronic dance melody to kick things off. I was completely blown way, then came the crushing blackened death metal sound that VREDEHAMMER has present in the remainder of the album, although that same EDM style returns in the track. Very inventive for an extreme metal band to use so succinctly. Get a nice dance in before being destroyed by the unrelenting extreme metal pummeling that grabs you by the throat. The electronic keyboards play an integral part in adding an extra layer of eerie sounds, like something out of Stranger Things.

“Aggressor” showcases the unrelenting blackened attack of VREDEHAMMER’s music with the undertone of the creepy keyboards elevating the music. There is a good balance of that 80's horror keyboard sound prevalent throughout the album but coupled well with the fierceness of the black metal melodies. “Suffocate All Light” leans heavier into the keyboard sound but keeps the extreme metal motor running. You go from bobbing your head to the electronic melody, to breaking your neck from headbanging to the extreme metal attack. “Viperous” fires on all cylinders offering the most blistering drums and fast guitar riffing that creates an unrelenting death metal attack. There exists this perfect balance of extreme metal, and allowing the genre mixing electronic sounds to offer a more melodic sound that fits well in the grand scheme of the album. “Skinwalker” brings in that perfect combo of metal and electronic sounds. They go hand in hand to offer this eerie and powerful sound.

VREDEHAMMER brings the heaviness in “Viperous”. The album is a powerful extreme metal hammering. Complete with some surprisingly well put together 80's styled keyboard undertones that deliver a fun and entertaining element to an already fierce metal attack. The vile black and death metal inspired music hits on every mark. Everyone should have this album in their rotation.