YSBRYDNOS albumbordersmall for reviewsYSBRYDNOS
Phantasmal Bells Below The Devil’s Pulpit (EP)
Masters Of Kaos

Their name translates to ‘Spirit Night’ in their native tongue. The three nights of the year when the spirits are at their strongest. I’ve spent some time with YSBRYDNOS’s debut album, 2022’s “The Forest Howls At Dusk”, although I was ashamed to have been unaware of the existence of this outfit prior to picking “Phantasmal Bells Below The Devil’s Pulpit” to review.

Reviews of “The Forest Howls At Dusk” were promising, with the main criticism being the short run time. If that’s the complaint, then those who were annoyed then are likely to be just as irritated by the 35-minute duration here. But focusing on quality over quantity, you’ll find ample to explore in this second release.

According to the limited information available, YSBRYDNOS is now a three-piece, with drummer Hundosai joining the vocals and flute of singer Agata Tutkaj and multi-instrumentalist Ysbryd. This is essentially a physical release of the EP of the same name that was available in November 2023, with two added tracks to fill the physical copy to a more respectable length.

Regardless, we can take this release at face value for the band have been able to hook up with label Masters Of Kaos (according to their Bandcamp page – their social media presence is somewhat limited) for this edition. And very good it is too. A definite harking back to the early days of atmospheric black metal in its purest form, there is something captivating about this release.

Opening track “Derwydd Part 1 Beneath The Waxing Moon” combines explosive blast beats, massive riffs and intricate guitar work with snarling vocals and haunting synths. It’s a combination that works well and paves the way for the rest of the album. Despite the somewhat cliched song title, the intricate movements are clever and compelling. The main riff is repeated in various forms through the song, making it something of an earworm by the end.

YSBRYDNOS are one of several Welsh bands’ intent on drawing from Welsh mythology for their themes. “Cadogan’s Tired Ghost” is one such story, brought to life here to tell the short tale of the wealthy Thomas Cadogan, whose spirit could not leave until his wrongs had been righted. It’s a blisteringly good track with a catchy riff and thunderous drumming. As Tutkaj roars out the story, you can feel the intensity that lurks within. In contrast, “March To The Gallows” is a harrowing, sound effect filled piece, a morbid tale which haunts the listener with its eerie tone. A departure from the opening duo, this is a totally different style that changes the tempo and feeling.

It’s their combination of dark synth work with blistering passages of intense black metal as well as the traditional aggressive growling style that works so well here. The rawness is an essential part of the musical approach, yet it is still cleverly written and delivered. The explosive “Scythe In Hearth” is as savage as you would expect, and contrasts with the title track which sees Tutkaj deliver some chilling clean whispers before the frantic tempo explodes once more.

It may not be the most polished release you’ll hear, but I doubt that this is what this DIY outfit care about. If you want passion, intensity, and a genuine interest in your nation’s history and folklore, you can’t look much further than this release. A truly intriguing and ferocious album.

Paul Hutchings