Review: Ulvehyrde - Dødsdømt (2025)

Band: Ulvehyrde
Album: “Dødsdømt”
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Norway
Label: Solistitium Records
Released: October 31st, 2025

Introduction

“Dødsdømt” is Ulvehyrde’s 2^nd full-length and 1^st via the newly returned german label, Solistitium Records. This is Norwegian black metal at its finest, from musicians that grew-up in this special environment, that breathe the atmosphere and influence. If you, like me, believe that there is no Black Metal like Norwegian Black Metal, this one is for you.

Track list:

1.     Merraflåer           
2.     Jammerdalen            
3.     Dødsdømt 
4.     Dårekisten 
5.     Barnedrap 
6.     Fanitullen  
7.     Morder     
8.     Rekviem

The Album

Norwegian Black Metal is a special type of Black Metal. It has its own… structure and atmosphere, d’you know what I mean?! It is hard not to appreciate whatever comes out from the Norwegian scene, and this album is no exception. Beastcraft, Vulture Lord, Urgehal, Den Saakaldte, etc., are some of the bands that “lent” their musicians so that we could have this piece of musical nightmare… a good one. I would not call it a supergroup, but at least a selective-group-of-friends could suit the sound, right?

Musically speaking, it has Norwegian DNA, no doubt about it. It has this atmosphere, this almost avant-garde sound! Nonetheless, it sounds Norwegian; that is a bloody fact. “Rekviem,” however, has a rock and roll soul. Pace-wise, the band opted for a mid-pace Black Metal sound, different from the aggressive attitude we have—had? In Urgehal, where the vocals go from growls to almost shamanic invocations. “Merrafl” is the perfect introduction to this record, as it sets the mood for the majority of the tunes: mid- to slow-paced black metal, dark atmosphere, dragging vocals, and cutting riffs.

The album has a “true Norwegian Black Metal” sound, focusing on dark atmosphere, chilling riffs, and a “primitive” yet well-produced tone. It is not considered groundbreaking, but rather a masterclass in the genre's fundamentals. The production is organic, clear, and powerful, avoiding the overtly lo-fi sound for a more professional yet cold atmosphere. Vocals are harsh, with sparse, effective use of female vocals. There is an overall scent of Death, and Closure, that spreads throughout the 8-tracks that compose the band’s release, and the listener is invited to walk side-by-side with Mortality and The End of all things. An almost apocalyptic perspective, right?!

Conclusion

As stated earlier, “Dødsdømt” is an excellent release, “branded” by experienced musicians that proudly carry the sound of the one true Black Metal birthplace (hate me for that). I am certain we will hear more, and even better, from this Norwegian entity. Ulvehyrde has come to stay.

BMZ Rating 7/10

Your thoughts on this review.

We love to hear your opinion about this album. You can do so by becoming a member and commenting on this post.

Or share your opinion and thoughts on our social media channels, or join the discussion on our Discord—where we talk about all things black metal. Don’t forget to follow our Facebook page, Black Metal Zine, for updates on our latest articles, and take a look at our Instagram @blackmetal.zine for concert photos and more!