It took a while. I mean: it took a while for Fayenne (Sweden) to release their debut album. The four ladies and one lad started making music in 2015. Now, after two demos and a single it is finally time to unleash “The Calling From the Depth”. Musically it centers on female domination, destruction, along with elements of nature. But when reading the titles of the album an tracks I do not suspect that this was the case. It felt more satanic instead of “female dominant”. In general it’s atmosphere over lyrics for me. The sound itself leans back to the second wave of Black Metal. A time when Scandinavian giants ruled the musical landscape of this genre.

The music is raw yet contains shreds of melody. It is straight forward, harsh yet has a certain charm. Although it doesn’t shun melody Fayenne has a more rough approach in comparison of Dissection yet isn’t as fast as Marduk.
“The Calling From the Depth” starts with its title track. The pace is quite fast as the guitars attack you. The female vocals pierce your ears and take a while to get used to. But when it does it can be an asset for this band. “Sulfur and Mercury” is in the same vein, with pounding drums, melodic yet aggressive guitars and of course the shrieking vocals of AH.  “Black Haze” is foggy as can be while  “Unholy Rebirth” has heated leads and contain a sense of urgency.

I could dissect all songs on this tape, but by now you should get what this is about. This cassette contains Black Metal in its purest form: harsh yet melodic, aggressive yet enthralling. The mix is raw but every instrument is present in the mix (even bass). It’s not polished nor pristine but simply fits the crude and at times relentless music. And in this case it mean no-nonsense, second wave of Black Metal oriented music. No keyboards, no intro just in your face good old Black Metal.

It contains some really solid riffs but I still keep the feeling that these Swedes have more potential. Don’t get me wrong: the music is good enough to satisfy purist devotees but it feels it lacks a bit of power, a bit of malicious intent. It is just a bit too bland and safe for my taste, and with the quality of extreme music offered these days I am afraid this band will fly under the radar. But it would surprise me if Fayenne actually gives a shit. I think they just like to play this kind of music, and there’s nothing wrong with that. As said: Fayenne delivers a decent album. You surely can feel the wind blowing of the old Northern Black Metal gods in their music. Although I personally miss some diversity in their music devotees and purists of the genre should like this one. Especially when you are a fan of Darkthrone, old Mayhem, Marduk and kindred spirits. So if you are an old spirit: give this cassette a spin. You will probably like it.

Release date: 26 February 2026
Label: Void Wanderer Productions

Reviewer: Erik

Score: 7,0 / 10

 Tracklist:

1. The Calling from the Depth

2. Sulfur and Mercury

3. Black Haze

4. Unholy Rebirth

5. Waters of Ancient Blood

6. Serpents Order

7. Primordial Surface

8. Melas Khole