Album Review: Voodus – Into the Wild (Shadow Records/Regain Records)

Although a seemingly new name, Voodus’ history stretches back to 2004 when the band was known as Jormundgand. Under this banner, the band first released a few demos and then an album for the well-respected Christhunt label in 2014. Sensing the need for a fresh outlook, they changed their moniker to Voodus and began sharpening their knives. And carved from these blades emerged the 2015 EP, NightQueen, subsequently followed by the Serpent Seducer Saviour ten-inch in 2017.

Shadow Records now present Voodus’ highly anticipated debut album, Into the Wild, on CD, LP, and cassette tape formats on the 26th November 2018.

Feral black metal with death-infusion is the best way to sum up this 8-track album. A lesson in savagery for all who play and listen to black metal. After a haunting intro (The Awakening and the Ascension), Voodus come out with fire and hate in their souls on the excellent The Golden and Gnothi Seauton.

As black as they come it’s possible to make comparisons to the likes of Watain and Dissection as the bands share the same level of uncompromising horrifying sounds.

If you’re not a fan of those bands, don’t let that put you off though as Voodus’ efforts here are incredibly listenable. The rhythm of the title track is hypnotic, the riffs earth-shattering and the vocals powerful enough to flay flesh from bone.

The highlights come in the form of Dreams from an Ancient Mind Pt I and II. The former a short gothic piano intro for the horror show that is the latter. A slower setting doesn’t dent the impact felt by gloriously played out bleakness.

A pretty great album looks to turn you inside out though with the near 15-minute finale of The Terrain of Moloch.

Voodus – Into the Wild Full Track Listing:

1. The Awakening and the Ascension
2. The Golden
3. Gnothi Seauton
4. Into The Wild
5. Communion Amid the Graves
6. Dreams From An Ancient Mind Pt I
7. Dreams From An Ancient Mind Pt II
8. The Terrain of Moloch

You can order the album over on Bandcamp now and find out more by liking Voodus’ Facebook Page.