Krieg - Ruiner (2023)

In their first full-length release in nearly ten years, Krieg returns to continue pushing the boundaries of USBM with a moody and yet highly engaging Black Metal release. Perfectly balancing the rawness and naivety of their older releases with the more restrained, atmospheric, and at times melodic nature of their more recent work, “Ruiner” delivers nearly 40 minutes of crushing music. If you are a fan of USBM, you can’t afford to miss this one.

Opening with the blistering onslaughts of “Bulwark”, we get a certain Atmospheric/Depressive BM vibe, with some Wolves in the Throne Room-esque moments mixed in with crafty punkish/crusty elements. The album slowly evolves into more atmospheric and punishing territories with pieces like “Fragments of Nothing”, “Red Rooms”, and the expansive “Solitary, A Future Renounced”. The band’s sound has always been quite dynamic and with this release they push with a more modern approach.

Our favorite tracks in this release have to be the hypnotic “No Gardens Grow Here” and its melancholic edge, alongside the 7-minute pummeling “The Lantern and the Key” evoking a certain Abigail Williams-esque melody and pace. We particularly love the DSBM vibes this track emanates. As a whole, “Ruiner” is a well crafted and expertly arranged release from one of the most respected and path forging USBM bands. Krieg delivers a polished and yet brutal release that any fan of the genre will greatly appreciate.

Label: Profound Lore Records

Release: February 3rd, 2023

Genre: Black Metal

Country: USA