The Dutch black metal scene has continued to be responsible for some of the most interesting albums in the genre over the last decade, and Fluisteraars is right there at the top. From the beginning they’ve showcased black metal with an emphasis on introspective, haunting melodies and an emphasis on the nature around them that didn’t fall into the usual blackgaze or post black metal trappings. Last year’s Bloem was the band’s finest hour yet, with the core duo spreading towards new horizons after the departure of their long-term bassist. It was an album that brought in some brighter textures and a sometimes-psychedelic atmosphere while keeping that core abrasiveness of black metal, resulting in songs with real staying power. I wasn’t expecting Fluisteraars to already have a follow up ready a year and a half later, but Gegrepen door de geest der zielsontluiking has arrived and showcases the duo heading in unexpected directions. Signaling a return towards the rawer, colder tone of their earlier efforts but with free-flowing songwriting and a greater emphasis on diverse vocals, this is another stunning album though it isn’t quite as immediate as its predecessor.
Where Bloem had five tracks spread over a little over a half hour, Gegrepen door de geest der zielsontluiking offers up three over thirty-five minutes which tells you that you’re in for some sprawling arrangements. “Verscheuring in de schemering” is the longest song Fluisteraars has ever written at twenty minutes, and that is likely to be a bit daunting for newcomers compared to the slightly more digestible lengths of its predecessor. But those willing to dive in will find a wonderful mix of old and new, with the abrasiveness and soaring melodies being molded into something more freeform and fantastical. “Het overvleugelen der meute” wastes no time on intros, instead launching immediately into dense, cold tonality and blast beats that gives way to dark, inviting melodies. There’s still some brightness in the tonality, but the sound is a bit more melancholic and drearier which seems perfect for the upcoming changing of the seasons. “Het overvleugelen der meute” builds to an immense, powerful climax before ending with extended periods of free-flowing drums and guitar effect pedal ambiance. “Verscheuring in de schemering” adopts this approach as well, letting jagged bass lines and shimmering melodies give way to an extended drum solo and effects that feel like a fever dream. The improvisation gives off a krautrock or psychedelic rock feel alongside the roaring black metal, and while it does make the material a bit denser and harder to wrap your head around initially, I’ve found myself drawn back again and again to get lost in the haze and wall of melodies.
Bob Mollema has been further developing his vocal style over the past couple of Fluisteraars releases, moving from raspy shrieks to slightly cleaner yells. But here he’s pushed himself considerably, varying his approach and delivering some of the most tortured screams I’ve ever heard from this band. You don’t get it immediately, but around the halfway point of “Het overvleugelen der meute” the pitches climb to ear piercing levels that are sure to send chills down your spine. It certainly sounds like Mollema is purging a considerable amount of demons through his vocals, and it’s delivered with even more fury and variation than on the group’s past material. It’s exciting to see this aspect of Fluisteraar’s music evolve just as much as the instrumentals, as so often when metal bands explore new elements the vocals remain static.
Despite keeping such a steady pace, Fluisteraars continues to deliver some of the most entrancing black metal while evolving their sound and approach. Bloem still has the stronger hooks, but this latest effort comes very close and showcases a fluid and trancelike approach that makes it well worth diving into and another 2021 highlight. Not every band can adopt a spontaneous and improvised approach and pull it off, so bravo to Fluisteraars and there’s no telling where they’ll go next. Gegrepen door de geest der zielsontluiking is available from Eisenwald.
-Review by Chris Dahlberg
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