VHÖL – VHÖL
Review + Stream

Alright, let’s the get the introductions out of the way first. This is VHÖL, a “super-group” of sorts originally started by John Cobbett (Hammers of Misfortune, Amber Asylum) and Aesop Dekker (Agalloch, Worm Ouroboros) after the incredible Ludicra called it a day (sigh). Mike Scheidt of YOB was brought on board to lend his discernible vocal skills to the project and Cobbett’s colleague from Hammers of Misfortune and Amber Asylum Sigrid Sheie joined on bass. And lo, VHÖL was born.

The sound of VHÖL is a little harder to pinpoint than their origins and with such a diverse group of musicians there’s always the chance that too much will get thrown into the mix – too many cooks spoil the broth – and whilst with VHÖL there’s the obvious nods to black metal, to thrash, to progressive metal, to hardcore by way of d-beat, at no point does that become overwhelming or overpowering. VHÖL’s strength lies in the abilities of the musicians involved – Scheidt’s voice is powerful and commanding and here he lets loose with a glorious abandon, wailing and rasping and lifting the sound beyond mere heavy metal whilst the guitar of Cobbett soars above the tracks adding depth and nuance whilst a tangible grungy dirtiness flows through the filthy bass lines of Sheie.

“The Wall” kicks off this self-titled release in a spectacularly punchy fashion and allows the quartet to freely throw their talents at the, um, wall. Guitar licks are fiery and relentless, the bass adds a crunchy weight and the drums are as frenetic as anything Dekker has been involved with in the past. This is pure heavy metal, the tone is one of extremity yet there’s a touch of fun to be heard in the progressions; it’s the sound of friends jamming out chords and ideas and when Mike Scheidt sidles in to the mix with his unmistakable and instantly recognisable vocal skills, VHÖL take on another dimension.

“Insane With Faith” is a fitting title for the second track which is all writhing melodies and superbly racy guitar spins. You know the term “shit-eating grin” ? That can certainly be applied to discuss the feelings you’ll have upon hearing this song. It’s fast, it twists, it turns and VHÖL are obviously having a fucking great time and as such the energy becomes wonderfully infectious. It’s a feeling that runs throughout the record and imbues VHÖL with a steady pulse that drives and thrusts with beautiful precision.

“Illuminate” hits harder and with a fantastic harmonious kick to the chorus whilst “Arising” just hits hard. Dekker pounds those drums like there’s no tomorrow and there’s a sweet sense of 80s thrash coursing through the very veins of the song (think early Metallica perhaps, you’ll be in the vicinity of the aesthetic heart of the track). VHÖL closes on the somewhat sombre “Set to Await Forever” which features the occasional slow, vocal led passage buried deep within moments of great fury. It’s quite different to what we’ve heard already but that’s by no means a slight. It’s a melancholy and despairing composition and VHÖL are all the more exemplary for it, showcasing that it isn’t necessarily how hard you play or how fast you can go, it’s about the emotion that dwells beneath. Sterling work.

VHÖL. Dungarees ist krieg.

Check Profound Lore Records for ordering information. You won’t regret it.