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"Although some of the members have a relation to Absurd, Wolfsmond is not a side-project. Also in contrast with that band, Wolfsmond distances from NS-ideology and political content."
After a lengthy silence, Wolfsmond III marks a commanding return for the German black metal project Wolfsmond, whose members also haunt the ranks of notorious acts like Absurd and the criminally underrated Eternity. Their third full-length arrives nearly two decades after Tollwut, and while their raw, traditionalist spirit remains intact, III reveals a newfound sense of sonic depth and atmosphere.
Wolfsmond operate within the classic framework of black metal, yet they frequently slow the tempo to explore more brooding, doom-inflected terrain. This contrast is one of the album’s greatest strengths, allowing somber chants and layered, melancholic guitar work to breathe between the blasts. The production here is impressively warm for the genre, with guitars that cut and swell in equal measure—thick with distortion but never clouded. It’s the kind of sound that should appeal to purists while also welcoming those who appreciate clarity and weight in their black metal.
Opener “Wolfsmond” sets the tone with a martial stomp and a riff that seems carved from old stone. The harsh vocals strike with authority, but it’s the shift into slower territory where the band truly excels—space opens up, and the melodies begin to haunt. “Ein Abgrund” follows with a mesmerizing crawl, layered with baritone clean vocals that add gravity and reverence to the track's already sepulchral air. The more aggressive finale slightly undercuts its earlier magic, but it remains a standout.
Tracks like “Verlockung” and “Dort unten” keep things rooted in repetition and ritual, with subtle variations in tempo and texture giving them shape. “Ergraut,” though brief and minimal, offers a reflective interlude—acoustic, subdued, and strangely comforting. But the real turning point comes in the album’s latter half. “Trübschimmer” rises with grim majesty, its spiraling tremolo lines carrying a sense of tragic grandeur. “Fressfeind” lumbers with all the inevitability of a war machine, conjuring visions of ruin and loss with each deliberate beat.
Even when III ventures into faster territory, such as on “Entmenschlicht” or “Nachtangst,” the band keeps their footing with well-placed transitions and dynamic pacing. There is a clear effort to balance momentum and mood, never fully abandoning the shadows for speed alone.
In the end, Wolfsmond III stands as the band’s most mature and cohesive release yet. While not every moment burns with innovation, the overall execution is strong, and the atmosphere—dark, mournful, resolute—leaves a lasting impression. It’s a welcome return, and one that should find favor among fans of Absurd, Eternity, or even the somber martialism of acts like Dark Fury. Recommended for those who seek black metal with both tradition and texture.
Highlights: Ein Abgrund, Trübschimmer, Fressfeind
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