Slagmaur raised my eyebrows a short while ago. Social media and news posted that Snorre (Thorns) and General Gribbsphiiser (Slagmaur) were lost in the woods (abducted by Hulder). But it seemed to be a social and artistic experiment which is rooted in the folkloric connection of their upcoming album. It sure promoted Slagmaurs upcoming album “Hulders Ritual” but frankly, I find this kind of experiments rather tasteless and a waste of money and energy. Of course, promoting an album should be done and media exposure is needed. Especially these days when there is an overload of new releases. But this kind of actions doesn’t motivate me to be positive about a release or band.
Deliver quality music, perform well on stage and keep your fans happy and you could have the base of a good career in music. I only have the demo “Svin” of these Norwegian blacksters at home. It is ok but tends to be forgettable. I hope “Hulders Ritual” makes a lasting impression. But my view may be tainted by their above mentioned experiment. Let’s find out….
I must admit, I am quite charmed about “Hulders Ritual”. In fact, this album is one of the better things I’ve heard in extreme metal last six months. It has a very solid, crystal clear and powerful production. Although it consists of only six tracks yet has a duration of approx. forty minutes. The vocals are at times a tough nut to crack but when you get used to it gives a sense of unease in the music. Simply put: it enhances the atmosphere. The music itself has an industrial undertone which I really like. It is aggressive and straight forward, almost nihilistic. But when you listen carefully there’s more than meets the ear (at first glance). With eerie keyboards mixed in the far back of the songs. Just listen to opener track “Ritual Dog”. It subtly brings more atmosphere then the harsh and almost clinical atmosphere when you listen to it the first time.
Wildkatze” also contains a killer riff. Burzum and Thorns are constantly in my thoughts. Snorre has even produced this album so it could be that there are some echoes of him in this work of art. “Huldergeist”, all about the well-known myth about this Norwegian seductive forest creature, reminds me of Burzum’s “Belus”, and that’s fine because I always loved that track. But just when you think this a straight on copy a sample starts and immediately shifts into an aggressive track with great sense of urgency. The song sounds simplistic yet oozes of strength and power; it’s quite an accomplishment because this song clocks over eight minutes. The simple yet effective riffs and powerful drum patterns march over your grave and destroy anything in its pad until the female voices and outro makes a fitting end to this song.
“Hexen Herjer” starts very eerie with gloomy keyboard/piano and quite unnerving guitar parts. Also the unusual and very powerful drum patterns enhance the already very dark atmosphere. Do I hear female vocals mixed in the back? It again reminds me a lot of Thorns and even Burzum at times. The repetitive yet subtle changing riffs, distorted female and male vocals make it as unsettling as interesting. It enthralls and beckons me and holds my attention during the entire seven minute during ride. “Warlock” is aggressive, dark and utterly devastating, while “Rathking” finishes this album with pure power. The monotonous yet addictive riffs manage to take hold of me while the aggressive vocals strike fear in my heart. As if the Rathking itself (a folkloric tale) is on the hunt for me an won’t let its relentless chase go until the song is over.
Although I am not fond of the way they promoted this album I must admit: “Hulders Ritual” is a great record. It is the most consistent record of Slagmaur and absolutely contains no fillers, only thrillers. The crystal clear yet raw and harsh production makes it an unsettling, unnerving yet really worthwhile listen. Check this one out! I am truly surprised by the sheer quality of this record. Good stuff! And also check out their newest videos. They are hauntingly beautiful.
Score: 8,5 / 10
Label: Prophecy Productions
Release date: 27 February 2026
Reviewer: Erik
Tracklist:
- Ritual Dogs
- Wildkatze
- Huldergeist
- Hexen Herjer
- Warlok
- Rathkings
