Mithraic Magazine

So when it comes to reviewing albums, we discovered last time that I’m not a natural at this, but something that I often do is sit with the record on, close my eyes and let my imagination get to work. I like to really paint a picture or pictures with the title, the album art, the track names and the tracks themselves. I’ll scribble down notes, about tone, atmosphere, maybe a piece of art, even colours or seasons. All sorts. If I can visualise it in my own way, It helps me get into the mindset of writing about the music. And it means I can write a bit more than “this is good.” Ninkharsag’s “The Black Swords Of Winter,” set me on a journey through frozen mountain peaks, valleys drenched in death and shadow, bleak, rocky outcrops and face to face with some unknown ancient mystery. Think Forodwaith from Middle Earth, then you’ll get the idea.

Ninkharsag, a name that we already know, already a staple in every modern black metal fan’s collection return with their new EP, “The Black Swords Of Winter” This latest record isn’t quite as frantic or ferocious as previous releases, but definitely no less intense, no less powerful. While you can almost hear the Dissection records playing in the background, Ninkharsag have taken their love of classic black metal and made it their own.
On first listen this feels far more complete that some of their earlier work. To be clear, ‘Blood Of Celestial Kings’ and ‘The Dread March Of Solemn Gods’ are undeniably fucking brilliant, but this record achieves a heightened sense of cohesion. The title, the album cover, the individual tracks. Without losing their now signature power, that aggressive, raw, unadulterated black metal, this feels more decided and refined. No less violent, but sharpened to a razor’s edge with which they create this chilling landscape. This is defiant. This is Ninkharsag saying we are here and we are fucking staying.

The EP opens with the instrumental “Wolf Moon Acclimation,” a rising, atmospheric build that prepares the listener for what’s to come. The thundering declaration of “The Black Swords Of Winter” crashes in, setting the tone for the release. This is Ninkharsag at their best, that relentless power yet still finding the hook to draw you in. “The Serpent Of The Void” dials back the tempo ever so slightly, but that drive remains – a march through this frozen wilderness they’ve brought us to. “Beyond The Ancient Crypt Of Sorrow,” another instrumental track, acts as a chilling intermission, a moment of reflection. Again, we have that familiar ferocity we are accustomed to with this band now, a reminder of their roots, however with this sense of ancient, unsettling dread. “The Grave Sworn Lords” opens with this same cold tension that this record seems to show so well. Within a minute, though, the classic Ninkharsag assault takes hold. Another change in pace in this shorter track demonstrates the band’s ability to really control the flow of their attack. And finally, “Beneath The Cloak Of Nightfall,” my personal favourite on here, closes the EP with a sense of ominous ferocity! A perfect close to this EP and a perfect way to establish that foothold that Ninkharsag have on the black metal scene.  Each track here is integral to the immersive journey and anything extra would simply not fit.

With “The Black Swords Of Winter,” Ninkharsag are not just repeating what they’ve done before. They’re forging a new path, a new statement of their current might. This EP marks, I think, a pivotal point, moving slightly beyond that urgency in the earlier work and to a more controlled, commanding, captivating presence. Each track is a testament to their refined sound that has only been growing over the past decade. The resonance of “The Black Swords Of Winter” will continue long after the final note rings out.

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