Scáth na Déithe – ‘Virulent Providence’
(Vendetta records – 2023)

Irish Black Metal solo project Scáth na Déithe has returned with a new full length opus entitled ‘Virulent Providence’, and released by Vendetta records on LP, CD and cassette that comes fabulously adorned by the wonderful artwork of Luciana Nedelea. Featuring just two lengthy tracks, the album gets underway with the furious machinations of ‘Virulent Providence Part 1’, (Can you guess what track two is called?) which combines seering vocals, oppressive guitar leads with a deeply cavernous, dark sound, and a cacophony of pummelling drumming that all come together in a surging, rampaging smorgasbord of violence, darkness and menace; interspersed with passages of swirling, calming yet ominous Dark Ambient sounds. With such an intense style as this, the vocals have to be just right, and the brooding, scathing tone set by Cathal Hughes sets the tone perfectly in matching this album’s maelstrom of malevolent sound.

Though sporting very much the same style as the opening track, ‘Part II’ increases the intensity and menace with slow, drawling style that creeps and lurks forward at its own interminable pace. It then rises slowly and steadily to a crescendo that doesn’t quite fulfil the explosive raw power I was expecting. That said, ‘Virulent Providence’ is an impressive display of harrowing soundscapes that many will enjoy.

(7/10 – Marksson)

https://scathnadeithe.bandcamp.com/album/virulent-providence
https://www.facebook.com/scathnadeithe