The Polish Black Metal band Varnheim has been active since 2012 and has long been part of the deeper layers of the underground scene. The lineup includes members of Baalberith — though technically, it’s the other way around: that band would only emerge a few years later, making Varnheim something of a foundational project from which other ventures in the Polish extreme metal scene would eventually branch out.
In 2019 and 2021, the band independently released two full-length albums. While these releases may have flown under the radar, they clearly signaled the band’s artistic intent: dark, uncompromising, and firmly rooted in the genre’s traditional foundations. This DIY spirit and persistence did not go unnoticed, and with the release of their third album, Void, they now receive broader recognition through a collaboration with the renowned underground label Godz ov War Productions.
The partnership with Godz ov War seems far from coincidental; the label is known for its discerning taste in raw, authentic, and unconventional Black and Death Metal, and Varnheim fits that mold perfectly. Void not only marks a new step for the band in terms of distribution and visibility, but also signifies a clear artistic progression. The production is considered yet raw, the compositions are more layered and atmospheric, and the entire album exudes an apocalyptic, all-consuming darkness that is both captivating and suffocating.
The album consists of only four tracks, but still manages to clock in at over forty minutes — a duration that’s far from unusual in the realm of atmospheric Black Metal. Long, sprawling compositions are the standard here, and Varnheim navigates this territory with precision, never slipping into aimless repetition or overwrought buildup.
After a harrowing, industrial-tinged introduction that immediately sets a grim tone, the band erupts with “Vengeance”, a striking opening track that leaves no room for doubt about their intentions. This is Black Metal at its heaviest and most unrelenting: blistering blast beats and scathing guitars are interwoven with abrupt tempo shifts and rising waves of tension. The industrial influence is most apparent in the bass — pounding, mechanical, and cold — lending the piece a glacial, almost machine-like intensity. The atmosphere is frigid, menacing, and entirely unforgiving.
With the second track, “Onwards”, the band truly hits its stride. This piece incorporates slightly more melodic elements without straying into melodrama. Here, Varnheim proves they’re not only capable of brute force, but also possess a strong sense of structure and mood. Carefully layered rhythms and subtle melodic phrases guide the listener deeper into the darkness. It’s the kind of track that reveals new dimensions with each listen — a testament to mature songwriting within the genre.
An unexpected twist comes with “Inwards”, introduced by a mournful trumpet — a rare choice in Black Metal, but one that works surprisingly well. It injects a solemn, almost ceremonial weight into the atmosphere, forming a stark contrast to the ferocious onslaught that follows. The band returns to their core of intense Black Metal, but skillfully weaves in atmospheric nuances that elevate the composition to a new level.
Production-wise, the album is on solid ground: the bass and lead guitar are especially well-balanced in the mix, creating a sense of clarity that prevents the music from dissolving into the typical wall-of-sound murkiness. The individual layers remain distinct without sacrificing any of the intensity. The result is a sound that’s raw yet articulate, delivering both aggression and atmosphere with full impact.
As a grand finale, Varnheim offers “Downwards”, an epic 13-minute journey that pulls out all the stops. Despite its length, the track remains surprisingly fresh, thanks in part to its musical divergence from the preceding material. The pure Black Metal edge gives way at times to a groovier, almost hypnotic cadence, without ever abandoning the core darkness. It feels like a descent into the deepest recesses of the void — slow, intense, and utterly inescapable.
With Void, Varnheim presents a layered and ambitious album that impresses not only through sheer force, but also through thoughtful composition, experimental flourishes, and powerful production. A statement of intent from a band clearly ready for a larger stage in today’s Black Metal landscape.
85/100
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