The duo Ardek (orchestral composition, all guitars and drums) and Seregor (vocals and guitars) deliver an ominous representation of a spine-chilling tale based on occult and horror folklore of Schinveld’s White Lady, the sinister dark figure of Kariba.

The five-track EP weaves grim and more ominous elements in a dramatic and gripping manner that defines the early albums “Lammendam”. While it’s beautifully orchestrated and composed, the opening intro “A Malevolent Force Stirs”, which begins with terrifying music, provides a thrilling, ritualistic ambiance and works as a soundtrack to this horror tale, is enough to hold the listener as they await the aggression to kick in the next song.

However, the musical presentation of the newest EP is meticulously crafted through enthralling dark thrills and brutal galvanic percussive tides on “Draw Blood”. Each song speaks of disturbing events and demonic sacrifices induced by the underground satanic cult of Kariba.

The manifestation of the sinister figure Kariba resonates through each of these songs, keeping you hooked to the creepy atmospheres and the cinematic quality that is perfectly dominated by the wicked screeching. The orchestral arrangements and violin are intertwined with tremolos and blackened aggression, where the drums outburst in fast-paced tempos on “The Resurrection of Kariba”. The duo delivers unbridled monstrosity to chill your blood.

The alternating paces and tempos encompass chilling atmospheres that signify the trademark sound of Carach Angren; it’s rewarding how much the duo infuses a chilling cinematic scope, weaving rich textures within the boundaries of symphonic black metal.

The neo-classical elements are rooted in the approach of the early albums, which captures the dark fairytale; each riff is brilliantly crafted and brings a great work of grand, bombastic symphonic black metal. The raspy vocals are the main feature, keeping the orchestral compositions sweeping by haunting soundscapes delivered by two composers clad in leather.

The unsettling, sinister moments are brimming with symphonic passages on “Ik Kom Uit Het Graf”; this suspenseful track brings blood-curdling moments of forlorn cemeteries and full moon sacrifices. There is an innovative blend of disturbing industrial sounds with orchestral elements, backed by blackened, inflicted riffs and heart-pounding percussion.

The EP concludes with the fifth track, “Venomous 1666”, which incorporates typical black metal tremolo-picked riffs, symphonic parts with thundering double kicks, and is bolstered by aggressive, frenzied screeching. The duo focuses on a signature blend of blackened heaviness in their latest musical endeavor. The textural symphonies and ferocity are well-executed; Carach Angren continues to refine their craft.

Overall, I am very impressed by the duo’s latest installment. The symphonies and the dreary atmospheres, as well as the raspy vocals, are all top-notch; the guitars and drums maintain a heavier and brutal tone throughout a duration of twenty-one minutes.

However, the classical aspect at times is reminiscent of their fantastical studio albums, “Death Came through a Phantom Ship” and “Where the Corpses Sink Forever”, albeit the experimental touch brings the band’s latest album, “Franckensteina Strataemontanus”, to mind.

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