V▲LH▲LL - Grimoire

As soon as I laid my eyes upon the cover art for V▲LH▲LL's new album "Grimoire" I was already falling in love. The Medusa that decorates the album with the solid grey background immediately spoke volumes. It was in the interview, however, that the gorgeous artwork really felt defined as both Martin and Mary explained the story behind Medusa, correlating it into their own personal experiences in the field where Mary would be viewed lesser than Martin by parties working with the group from sound technicians to other bands. This human element grounded the album just from a mere picture moreso than most of their other works I've heard in the past. 

When I hit the play button for the album I was immediately transported into world of witchcraft, occultism, and a fantasy land that only V▲LH▲LL could conjure up. A brief trickle of casting waves worked their way to the first drop on the song 'Bonetrees'. V▲LH▲LL's usual blend of Martin's distorted, deep, and rumbling vocals and Mary's lighter, angelic chords strike together in peace and harmony as we've seen more than once. 

V▲LH▲LL is still managing to merge Witch House with other genres ranging from electro to darkwave to some slight elements of darkpop. However it is with "Grimoire" that I'm hearing V▲LH▲LL's very refined production values even over their last full fledged album "Leaning On Shadows". Of course when I mention the darker pop infusion I bring to attention the fifth song and title track 'Grimoire'. Heavier percussion play with lighter elements that put a bit of charm and chime into the song while Mary's distinct and better than ever vocals breathe life into the song. 

An odder track on the album that did not reminisce anything that V▲LH▲LL had done in the past was the song 'The Hunt'. Almost evolving into trip-hop territory, this funky song had slightly rhythmic but more spoken word lyrical delivery as if a ritual was about to be held. Intertwined throughout the album. Also worth mentioning is the only instrumental track on the album 'Niðingrdans' which manages to keep a spooky, almost Halloween like atmosphere about it. 

Jessica Pimentel was also featured on the album, and is well known for her work on the TV series "Orange Is The New Black" as Maria Ruiz. When she's not acting Pimentel also serves as the lead singer for the Brooklyn, NY based metal outfit Alekhine's Gun. She's also a fan of V▲LH▲LL (then again, who isn't?) and contributed guest Violins on the album. This effort is most noted on the track 'Ormens Offer' - the violins perfectly mix with V▲LH▲LL's magic infused odyssey. 

V▲LH▲LL has once again proven that their blend of occult themes, mythology, and otherworldly magic is absolutely breathtaking and hypnotic. "Grimoire" is yet another fascinating piece added into their discography. Not a single minute was wasted listening to this album and this Swedish duo still remains one of my favorite active producers and musicians within the scene. The album is available as a digital download, but also comes in a CD or Vinyl edition if you fancy yourself a collector. Get on it. 


Mar 04 2018