Fluisteraars – Dromers (2014)

Unleashed only in LP and Cassette, today we have Dutch outfit Fluisteraars and their debut full-length release “Dromers”. Presenting us with over 34 minutes of music divided over three pummeling tracks; this release shows the band’s abilities to create engaging Black Metal songs that are both very long and highly atmospheric in nature.

Opening side A with “De Doornen”, the band slowly builds up their sound in a style similar to acts like Agalloch, Fen, Velnias, that keep things going for a while before their intentions are fully revealed. The guitar work is quite solid and the sporadic vocals are very well placed to allow the music to develop without any interruptions. The drumming is quite solid and nicely executed, highlighting the brutality of the band’s sound.

After the initial 16-minute piece, the band is more straight forward with the melodic nature of “Kuddedier”. Here we immediately perceive some Agalloch/Primordial worship in the well-crafted and catchy riffs. Our favorite part is the sporadic desolate slow passages that break up this 10-minute monster into small and powerful vignettes. As the album comes to a close, it keeps getting better and better with the melodic “Wortels Van Angst”. In this track, the band focuses on creating a very melodic atmosphere nicely adorned by a pulsating bass guitar line.

As one of the better releases we have received that combine both rawness and melody, “Dromers” presents the best of both sides nicely packaged in 30+ minutes of music. Fluisteraars does a great job in emulating the bands they surely admire while crafting their own unique music that is very memorable. If you like Black Metal bands that focus on melody and atmosphere and never lose sight of the rawness and brutality of the genre, “Dromers” is one release you don’t want to miss.

Label: Eisenwald Tonschmiede

Release: January 28th, 2014

Genre: Black Metal

Country: Netherlands