Dutch black metallers Wrang have set 24 April as the release date of their upcoming third full-length, Verwording, which Dominance of Darkness Records will release on CD and vinyl. The band have also unleashed the first track, "Nachten in Walheim".
Formed in 2013 by the duo Valr and Galgenvot, Wrang did not become fully active until 2015, yet have since established themselves as standard‑bearers of the Netherlands' resurgent black metal scene. Their early work drew inspiration from the likes of Horna, Taake, and Slavia, but in more recent years – particularly with their second album, 2022's De vaendrig – a more rock 'n' roll‑inflected strain of black metal has come to characterise Wrang's sound, even if they do not fit neatly into the "black 'n' roll" label.
Their third full‑length, Verwording, now arrives to further prove the point. Brimming with bright, triumphant riffing and feverishly urgent execution, Verwording is a windswept journey through dark yet emotive corridors of ancient‑leaning black metal. One could describe this as Wrang at their most atmospheric – and one would not be wrong – but that alone does not capture the full picture. The duo retain the uncompromising, full‑throttle spirit of their previous record, yet the razor‑sharp melodicism here reframes that energy in a strikingly refreshing way.
Lyrically, Verwording mirrors this subtle sonic shift. Wrang explore themes that diverge from their earlier work, ranging from societal critique to more abstract reflections on the inner need for conflict, the urge to abandon home and familiarity, and the restless longing for something beyond reach. As with much of the band's output, the lyrics embrace contradiction: always searching, yet never at ease once the goal is attained; perpetually restless, defiant, and torn. Such is Wrang, to the bitter end.
Bringing these elements together is the album's cover art, which serves as a fitting metaphor for Verwording's sonic and lyrical landscape: adrift on storm‑lashed waters, ever searching, never settling, desperate yet unyielding. Long may Wrang's restless heart beat. Link
Verwording tracklist:
1. Stilstand
2. Entartete Kunst
3. Nachten in Walheim
4. Voor ons de zee
5. De Duivel is de ander
6. Bitjebauw
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"We paused our work as I was grieving heavily, but once we returned to it, things took on a whole new meaning." - LV Darkling
"Within this darkness, where there's no light at all, the golden raven still shines. It's not like a perfectly cut statue of Michelangelo..." - Val Perun
"I'm sort of asking questions - where are the heroes? Where's the defiance? Where are the people who oppose this?" - Alan "Nemtheanga" Averill
"When I make a song, I know I could do it better, but I'm happy with it. It doesn't have to be perfect, and I like it when it's not. That's why I can make it that way." - Rapha Hell
