Today, black metal often sounds different. It has a more refined sound, orchestras, or new ideas. But there are albums that are like a cold wind from the past. They remind us of what black metal was originally about: hatred, coldness, loneliness, and a genuine, raw style. Kaevum’s “Ultra” is not a normal album. It is a collection of the Norwegian band’s early songs. That is where its great strength lies. “Ultra” is not new, but the foundation of Kaevum’s reputation. Many see Kaevum as one of the most authentic representatives of Nidrosian black metal.
Those who listen to “Ultra” should not expect perfect sound. The opposite is true: the nature of the recording is immediately apparent to the listener. The sound is very rough and indistinct. It sounds as if it were recorded in an old, cold hut with simple equipment. For people who are not familiar with this genre, this may seem bad. But for this music, it is very important. This simple sound is not a mistake, but intentional. It creates a dense wall of noise. This creates a close and very eerie atmosphere. You can feel the distance, the coldness, and the complete isolation in every note.
Musically, Kaevum follows the style of early 90s Norwegian black metal on “Ultra.” The guitar sounds are the core of the songs. They are often simple, repetitive, and sound sharp like a saw. This is reminiscent of the early works of Darkthrone or Burzum. But beneath this apparent simplicity lie beautiful, sad, and often very hopeless melodies. These guitar lines repeat like a prayer. They captivate the listener. One loses oneself in these sounds of icy coldness and inner emptiness.
The drums set an incessant beat. They play without technical tricks and drive the pieces forward with a calm, almost identical precision. This reinforces the trance-like character of the music. This rhythm does not invite head nodding. It sounds like the heartbeat of a desperate soul.
Utbyrd’s vocals float above it all. His voice is a hateful, screaming shriek. It seems to come from the depths of the sound. It is not singing that is in the foreground. Rather, it is another instrument that emphasizes the omnipresent mood of torment and misanthropy. The Norwegian lyrics are barely understandable. But they reinforce the feeling of authenticity and the culture from which this music comes.
“Ultra” contains material from demos and EPs such as “Krig.” It provides an exciting insight into the band’s development and original concept. You can hear the raw energy and strong desire to convey a certain mood. This is done without any commercial pressure or desire to please anyone. Songs like “Svart Sjel” or the title track of the “Krig” EP show what atmospheric, guitar-driven black metal sounds like without compromise.
Kaevum – “Ultra” is not for everyone. It is a challenge, a commitment, and a time capsule. Those looking for technical class, a very clear sound, or catchy structures in black metal will encounter an insurmountable wall of noise and coldness here.
But for anyone seeking the true, unadulterated soul of Norwegian black metal—the atmosphere, the hypnotic power, and the feeling of existential coldness—Ultra is an indispensable masterpiece. It is more than just music; it is a state, a feeling, a statement of hatred and loneliness. A very important release for fans of the Nidrosian scene and an important sign of everything that has often been lost in modern black metal.