Created by former Graven, Nordisches Blut and Nocti Vagus member, Vargsang was set in motion back in '02 as the solo project of an individual working under the same name. Although using a Norwegian name for the project (translated as 'Wolf's Song'), the project hailed from Bavaria, Germany and between '03-'08 he released three albums, with 'Werewolf of Wysteria' being his final statement before (apparently) retiring from music.
As a starting point, there is nothing new at all about this release, in fact its fairly straight forward no bullshit raw black metal, but where the scene is (and has always been) flooded with lousy talentless cretins, 'Werewolf of Wysteria' stands out quite admirably.
There's no questioning that the man admires his Scandinavian neighbors up north as the classic lo-fi production qualities with hissing guitars, simple and mostly blasting drumming and a frigid atmosphere are well on display here. The songs shift between fast and mid-tempo parts, all that have their fair share of tremolo styled riffs, which naturally carry a great deal of skulking wickedness and have the ability to hypnotize the listener. You'll also find some catchier Celtic Frost-ish and punkier riffs, which at least for me, were able to really grab my attention. The fact that there's some quick solos tossed about only makes the record all the more enjoyable.
The vocals appear in a typically hoarse croaking rasp, but it works well enough with this sort of music and the brief inclusion of some epic clearly spoken proclamations turned out to be a good idea. Synthesizers are occasionally used as a backing instrument and do well to enhance the already abhorrent grim mood as well.
If you're the sort of person that sticks to the rawer (and truer) side of the black metal genre you'll want to pick this record up as all nine songs and forty minutes of music are totally decent. Just don't expect anything new here.
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