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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"With Hypocrisy, I'm very "home", but with Pain, it's an adventure, just like going into the jungle only with a knife and no glass of water and trying to survive." - Peter Tägtgren
"I'm sort of asking questions - where are the heroes? Where's the defiance? Where are the people who oppose this?" - Alan "Nemtheanga" Averill
"There's much more detail in our music now than 20 years ago. It's also much easier nowadays because you can do many things at home." - Morten Lybecker
"We were kind of exploring dark subject matters and darker sounds. I really like that, and this is the direction we are going right now." - Larissa Vale
