Hulder - Verbolgen (2026)^{Release ID: 70317}

I had high praise for 2024’s Verses in Oath by Hulder, awarding it all five available stars, no less. As is so often the case, when looking back at any release that I have afforded a maximum score to, I find it hard to stand by that rating afterwards as I drift away from listening to the album. So, I will park an intriguing revisit to that album for some point in the future to see if it really does live up to that level of implied quality. The fact is though, with Verbolgen, Hulder have produced another high-scoring record. My confidence levels in that statement are also high given that I am on about my tenth listen through and my vinyl copy arrived yesterday.

Having read a recent interview, I am aware that there have been some changes to how Marz has approached this album. Namely, in the sense that there has been a more collaborative approach to the writing of the record, with husband Sam afforded more input and a freer rein to develop ideas. There are also two drummers credited on the album. Live regular, Vapula occupies the stool for four tracks with former Aeternus and Gorogorth drummer Vrolok covering the remainder. My understanding is that Vrolok approached Marz and Sam about getting involved. High regard to be held in when someone of such repute within the scene comes to you with a request to collaborate. (Morrigan, also formerly of Aeternus did the album artwork incidentally).

Regardless of who does what individually on the album – and I can hear the difference in drumming style – the main reason that Verbolgen stands out is how enthused, invigorated and outright passionate the performance comes across as a collective sound. The sum of all contributions here may have managed to create one of the best black metal albums of 2026. The record really does have it all. Atmosphere, symphonia, blastbeats, a flute, a hurdy gurdy and an album arrangement to die for. The build on the record is only equalled by its temperance. The switch into a more epic soundscape around the mid-point of the album is noticeable. At the same time, within any track individually, Hulder can infuse variety of pace, tempo and instrumentation without ever killing momentum.

Able to wear a host of influences on their sleeves, Hulder carry a true air of authenticity. Whether it is the blistering and bludgeoning stylings of Horna and Gorgoroth, or the more dramatic elements of Emperor and Satyricon, Marz and company have an impressive array of references in their kitbag. And so once again I sit here with a maximum score seemingly one click away. However, I am going to be taking a much tougher slant on five-star ratings, meaning I am going to have to get super-critical. Although there is nothing wrong with it, album closer, ‘The Glow of Dawn’ feels underwhelming as an instrumental track to end on. It sounds very much like a finale to a record, yet for a record that manages to work up such high standards of songwriting, it does feel almost unnecessary.

Hulder return with their third studio album Velbolgen. I discovered Hulder back in 2024 by accident with their album Verses in Oath and I was severely underwhelmed. It was album that tried to be something more than a black metal album, but couldn't get out of its own way and ended up just sounding like another black metal album. Their return in 2026 does not have that problem in such a grandiose scale as they did before. Verbolgen has some real energy and passion drawn out of it through its more folk roots. When the riffing on "The Crowning" began I could already hear the massive improvements; from the well textured guitars, good bass and percussion that was not overbearing. 

I enjoyed the thrashier riffing on "Verbolgen" and the slow, but effective crescendo on "In Blood And In Earth". The vocals of special mention show a great range, both technically and emotionally. Many of the albums (relatively) shorter songs are strong compositions since they do not try to baton pass melodic ideas such as on "In Blood And In Earth", a much better example shows up on "...And We Shall Sing" and "View From Nemeton". I think that Verbolgen is a great improvement from the last record, but I still feel its is too one dimensional. Perhaps those more experienced with the black metal genre will appreciate this more than myself.

Best Songs: Thy Blinding Oath, In Blood And In Earth, View From Nemeton, ...And We Shall Sing

For Fans Of: Moonsorrow, Aeternus, early Ulver