EP Review: WAN – Gammal är äldst (Carnal Records)

Swedish black metal force WAN came on the scene as a triad of aggression in 2009 to glorify Satan, chaos and the mighty northern darkness. Their debut, Wolves of the North, promptly saw its release in 2010. In 2013, the stalwart offered their second attack, Enjoy the Filth, fetching a more no holds barred and uglier song-writing approach. Two years later, Wan appeared in a split release called ‘Necroholic’ alongside their countrymen Styggelse and Icelandic mystics Curse.

WAN encountered lineup changes in the next two years, but that could not disintegrate the tenebrous mightiness of the Swede horde. WAN unleashed their third album, Wan Way to Hell, via Carnal Records at the dawn of 2017. This album marks a new era for WAN and it confirmed the sustainability of their raw-energy, which is ever flowing and ever dark.

WAN are currently stronger than ever as a four-headed beast and they are ready to channel violence through the forthcoming mini CD “Gammal är äldst” (English: Old is the Oldest). Anyone familiar with the ‘80s and early ‘90s Scandinavian black metal knows what the five tracks of this EP convey. Gammal är äldst comes out on this December 21st via Carnal Records.

Five blackened tracks of salacious metal, WAN are a destructive force that will leave listeners bloodied and bruised. The title track begins the torrid affair with roaring ruthlessness that is incredibly rough on the ears. Sharp and staticy, it’s a tough listen as picking out the detail is no easy job but amongst the harshness is rhythm and some interesting black metal riffs.

Out of Your League’s slower tempo allows us to appreciate the chugging guitars and howling vocals. A step up from the opener before Fistful of Metal goes all out with a heavy and freakish thrash-based approach.

The most black metal sounding track of the EP comes next in the guise of Strong as a Bear. The crashing of the drums and the roars that emanate from the vocals impress. A terrific stab at the old school Scandinavian sound.

The EP closes out with Till maskarna slängd and sees Wan pushing their metal agenda well and truly down the throat of non-believers. Not that there will be many of them after listening to this release.

WAN – Gammal är äldst Full Track Listing:

1. Gammal är äldst
2. Out of Your League
3. Fistful of Metal
4. Strong as a Bear
5. Till maskarna slängd

You can order the EP via Bandcamp and find out more about WAN over on Facebook and YouTube.