Band:	Ungfell
Album:	De Gh​ö​rnt
Style:	Black metal
Release date:	November 29, 2024
A review by:	AndyMetalFreak

01. S Alpeglüeh
02. D Pracht Vom Eggishorn
03. Im Ruusch
04. De Fährmaa
05. Rollibock (De Ghörnt Vom Gletscher)
06. Sturmglockä
07. De Geischt Vom Märjelesee

The blackened folk duo Ungfell continue their journey, delving deeper into the mountains as they uncover a concept that promises to be all the more epic and melodic than before.

Ungfell are a Swiss black metal band formed by vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Menetekel in 2014. The band's style is mainly rooted in black metal that focuses both on atmosphere and melody, but also incorporates strong traditional folk influences. Their themes are mainly centred on Swiss folklore, the medieval ages, and witchcraft. Blackened folk is a thriving sub-genre all across Europe, as many black metal bands represent their nations' own traditions and folklore. Switzerland may not be among the best known countries when it comes to producing blackened folk, but it's a nation steeped in history and folklore, and on top of that, it contains some of the most stunning landscapes imaginable. Therefore, it may have been inevitable that a band would capitalize on this, and Ungfell have done exactly that.

Marking Ungfell's 10-year anniversary is De Ghörnt, the band's fourth full-length offering. They once again come into this latest release as a duo, as Menetekel continues his collaboration with drummer Vâlant, who joined back in 2017. Ungfell follows a concept much like the one found on previous release Es Grauet, which dealt with the destructive consequences of a mountain village gone astray. This time, the story is based on an old Swiss-German folk tale, following a hunter who delves deeper into the mountainous region on his way up to a glacier, ultimately leading to his demise. The Hunter's ambition, greed, and hubris doesn't go unpunished, as he is confronted by the goat-like entity known as Rollibock, who is depicted in the cover art.

Following on from previous output, the style of blackened folk here isn't entirely original, but there are still a few surprise elements along the way. Through some expertly crafted songwriting, the music truly represents the album's epic theme. The lyrical folk tales are performed by howling devilish shrieks and passionate backing chants, all of which are delivered authentically in the German language. On top of this, listeners are treated to some of the finest usage of traditional medieval folk instruments heard in modern metal, which really complements the heavier, blackened instrumentation. The whole experience is like an epic and immersive cinematic journey, with soundscapes that feel so authentic, you genuinely feel as if you are living within this folkish tale yourself.

The spirit of the great Norwegian black metal scene still lies at the heart of the band's writing, from the furious blast beats to intertwining tremolo riffs that are as cold and melodic as Immortal. On top of that, there are enchanting wintery keyboard melodies in the vein of Windir. Heavier sections are often compartmentalized by slower atmospheric sections, which contain some beautiful folkish acoustic melodies and enchanting keys. Then there are some real headbangers, such as "Im Ruusch", whose rapid, infectiously groovy rhythm and catchy riffs are primed to send listeners into a headbanging frenzy. The most remarkable factor of all, though, is how the album explores outside of the confines of black and folk metal. "De Fährmaa", for instance, may catch some off-guard with the inclusion of traditional heavy metal elements more reminiscent of Mercyful Fate than anything typically associated with blackened folk.

I consider this remarkable Swiss duo to be a hidden gem within the genre; if they have passed you by unttil now, this is a perfect time to make amends. De Ghörnt is a real delight for those who appreciate the folkish side of black metal. If you're hooked by the epic melodies and intriguing Swiss folklore concept this album provides, then it might well give you the incentive to delve back deeper into the band's discography and uncover the road leading to this treasure of blackened folk.