Ever since their debut album “Dromers” (2014) Fluisteraars, an illustrious act from Bennekom (Gelderland, NL), managed to enthrall me with crafty songs and musical experimentation. While rooted in Black Metal this act proves to be much, so much more. It is at times harsh, melancholic but also has a more introvert, almost dreamlike, side. The palette of emotions make it an interesting journey. Every album is a journey on its own, and “Jacht der Mysteriën” is no exception on this formula.
B. Mollema (vocals) and M. Koops (guitar, drums, bass and other instruments) manage to create three mesmerizing tracks with a duration of over fourty minutes. This means that the songs are quite lengthy. But this does not hinder because the songs are seriously enjoyable.
While Fluisteraars never shuns experiment it seems that they are back in form going back to their roots. The focus is more on making Metal in comparison with their previous album “Manifestaties van de Ontworteling” (2024) which had a more ambient approach. It seems like Mr. Koops has picked up the guitar more than once an went back to the sound of older albums such as “Bloem” and “Gegerepen door de Geest der Zielsontluiking” (2021). It still has traces of ambient but is less electronic then its predecessor.
I like both sides of Fluisteraars, electronic and more guitar driven, and this album checks all the boxes. It is melancholic, dreamy yet still packs a punch at times. It heralds you in and will not let go until it is done. Again drawing inspiration from local folklore and legends their 6th album (not counting the EP’s they have released) was captured live in one go. Pretty ballsy but it works out pretty well.
The album starts with “Grondeloos donkere Bossen”. High pitched vocals, strong riffs and background sounds make you immediately venture alongside this album. The bass is quite experimental, giving it a bit of a psychedelic touch. This song can get you in green trance easily, for sure. After this song “Condities der Afstraffing” has the same approach. That doesn’t hinder. It is well executed and still has that hypnotic effect on you. “Zwarte Zomermaan” is the final track, but also the longest. Riffs are repeated again and again, for maximum hypnotic effect.
Fluisteraars does what it does best on this album: giving you a very introspective experience with a high dose of repetition which makes you drift away. It doesn’t get dull and these lads know what they are doing. The music, at times, might be harsh and the Black Metal elements surely are there but this band creates music which has more elements. It takes some patience to digest and enjoy the forty-one minutes of music offered. If you take your time, are patient and willing to focus entirely on this album “Jacht der Mysterien” is a great album.
When you do not have the patience you will cut corners missing out on some great adventure(s). And since Fluisteraars is quite popular I conclude that lots of people agree with me. And with a solid production and a label Eisenwald which already has an excellent roster, this album will not grab you immediately by the balls but slowly sucks you in and swallows you whole.
I can, once again, conclude that Fluisteraars has created a great journey, in this case a (semi)live album consisting of three highly enthralling tracks. In September they are playing live in Doornroosje. Already got my ticket. Good stuff!
Rating: 8,2 / 10
Label: Eisenwald
Release date: 11 September 2026
Reviewer: Erik
Tracklist:
- Grondeloos donkere Bossen
- Condities der Afstraffing
- Zwarte Zomermaan
