Founded in 2021, Olde Bard recently released their third EP, and the Massachusetts trio continues to steadily make their mark in the underground. They had been on my radar for a while thanks to their unique blend of Black Metal and Heavy Metal—a combination that sometimes evokes the stubborn, uncompromising spirit of Darkthrone: simply doing whatever they feel like, without bowing to expectations or conventions.
But isn’t that exactly the essence of Black Metal? Pushing beyond the lines, throwing rules out the window, toppling sacred cows—and even setting them on fire if needed. The genre is, after all, about rebellion, originality, and the freedom to carve your own path—and Olde Bard embodies that on multiple levels.
On this latest EP, the trio once again proves themselves. Compared to Jewels of the Spidercrown from 2024, there’s a noticeable step forward: the compositions are more varied, the riffs are impressively thick, and the production feels tighter than ever. Yet the raw, almost primitive energy of their earlier work remains intact, giving the music a powerful and authentic feel.
What sets Olde Bard apart is their ability to combine the dark intensity of Black Metal with subtle nods to 1980s Heavy Metal. The result is music that grips you without feeling forced or derivative. Don’t expect a raw Scandinavian clone with chainsaw guitars screaming for attention; instead, Olde Bard presents a self-assured, idiosyncratic take on the genre—a sound that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
The EP consists of four tracks, with (Endless) Swamp Cemetery standing head and shoulders above the rest—not just in length. The song starts mid-tempo, smoothly transitions into a clear Thrash/Heavy Metal vibe, and ultimately ends on a progressive note. It’s a fantastic track that showcases both dynamism and craftsmanship, demonstrating Olde Bard’s knack for building compositions with tension and variety.
For now, the EP is only available on Bandcamp, as there is no physical release at the time of writing.
85/100
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