Vølus – Merciful the Dying Light

‘Merciful The Dying Light’ is the fourth and latest release from Vølus, the solo project of multi-instrumentalist and owner of Vargheist Records Justin Vølus where he can unleash his musical demons and experiment with several musical styles.

This album seems to be about inner struggles, eternal conflicts and Justin poured a lot of passion and anger into the album.

Musically it’s ultra heavy Death Metal infected with influences of Doom, USBM à la Leviathan and even hints of Sludge, Noise, Grindcore. All merged into a swirling mass of molten metallic violence. As a matter of fact, the entire album radiates an intense torrid atmosphere full of sultry darkness and malevolence

Justin uses different types of unclean singing, ranging from deep bellowing to snarling diabolical, which fit in perfectly with the overpowering musical mayhem and sonic eruptions.

From the Lovecraftian ‘Crowns of Ulthar, to ‘Blasphemies Infernal Strife’, Hissing Dissent to the demonic ‘Between Two Fires’ the album stomps, pounds, hacks itself a way through seven songs in a very grotesque and vehement manner.

It’s an overwhelming and bewildering experience, this album. Just listen to the esoteric lyrics, the elusive guitars, layers and layers of them wall-to-wall and the killing rhythm section and you’ll understand what I mean. It’s another progression, compared to its predecessor ‘Oathsworn Vengeance’ 2023.

Those who aren’t familiar with the evil blackened Death/Doom Metal of Vølus or any other release from Vargheist Records really need to check out this material. Those who find Christ Denied from Spain not extreme enough can purchase this album blindly. The album gets a maximum score from me for its boldness and experimental drift into the realm of Black- and Death Metal extravaganza.