Fuath - III - review
Fuath - III - review
Tracklist
01. The Cailleach02. Embers Of The Fading Age
03. Possessed By Starlight
04. The Sluagh
A review by
AndyMetalFreak January 03, 2026
Andy Marshall is mostly known for being the mastermind behind the Scottish atmospheric black band Saor, but he also established an offshoot project called Fuath (Gaelic word for "hatred") back in 2015, which many of you might be surprised to learn of. Although Saor and Fuath are both primarily rooted in atmoblack with similar themes and are masterminded by the same guy, they have their own distinctive style, so it would be unjust to consider Fuath a mere side project. The fundamental factor as to what makes Fuath an entirely different band to Saor is the more ferocious and rawer approach, whereby Andy takes inspiration from early black metal pioneers such as Darkthrone and Mayhem whilst introducing the atmospheric and folkish touches of Windir and Burzum. However, the themes don't entirely differentiate from Saor as the Scottish Highlands are, first and foremost, the prime source of inspiration.
Fuath currently has three full-length releases to date, including their latest offering, which, continuing the numerical pattern, is titled III. Andy is renowned for his albums consisting of short track lists that feature lengthy, atmospherically-driven songs, and this latest album carries on this tradition, containing four exceedingly long songs. He isn't generally known for pushing the boundaries further beyond his authentic Scottish folk-tinged atmoblack approach, but this band not only captures the essence of his work with Saor, but delves into the rawness and ferocity of early black metal. Atmospherically, III intends to take listeners on another stunningly immersive musical journey across the majestic Scottish Highlands. As if in ancient spirit form, each note is crafted to take your wandering mind through the stunning, vivid landscapes of this mighty scenic region, exploring its history, traditions, and wonderful nature, taking you from the breathtaking sloped glens and mystical shimmering lochs to the enchanted pine forests and rugged coastlines.
However, the journey you embark on here isn't all a pleasantly enchanting one, in fact, it can often seem harsh and unforgiving, almost like trekking through the inhospitable environment at midwinter's dark, cold night. When listening alone (which is always recommended), you can easily feel a sense of solitude and desperation, but that's not all; it can be equally uplifting. There's an energizing spirit within you that builds inside, giving you warmth and comfort when you feel at your coldest and weariest. It's almost like the feeling of a beautiful morning sunrise creeping over the mountains after a long, cold, stormy night.
Andy Marshall is quite a remarkable musician appreciated across metal for his passionate performances; once again, he shows another fine multi-instrumental display, paying homage to his motherland through mighty mid-tempo tremolos with great signature Scottish folk melodies that erupt into powerful soaring leads and passionate aggressive shrieks. The folk elements are reduced as he opts for a more traditional blackened approach but there's still room for the odd beautiful acoustic passage. What's striking is the tempo is almost permanently set to a standard moderate pace, and the instrumentation for each song generally follows the same repetitive pattern. However, the repetitive rhythm and looping riffs are what's striking, as the atmosphere builds in a hypnotic way similar to that of early Burzum or Drudkh, for instance.
III, just as the two albums before it, was never about reinventing the wheel or adding anything unique to the modern black metal scene, it's about the raw emotion and passion behind how the music was made and the meaning behind it. It's about immersing yourself in the rich atmospheres, and finding your soul once more, as your mind travels on a spiritual journey across the wonderful Highlands. This is a style you might not take to straight away, and might sound all too familiar, but give it time and you'll surely reap the benefits of what's on offer during this epic atmospheric adventure.
Rating breakdown
| Performance: | 8 |
| Songwriting: | 7 |
| Originality: | 5 |
| Production: | 8 |
Written on 03.01.2026 by
Written on 03.01.2026 by
This is an honest review on my part, but you don't necessarily have to agree with it. Comments
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Scots somehow selebrate old new year some goalic new tear in end of januari whit some bone fire ...hood album for cold midwinter night
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