We were already familiar with them: Bavaria’s Excommunicatio, who made quite an impression a few years back with their unexpectedly strong debut Kodex Luzifer, and our very own Beenkerver, who delivered his second full-length De Rode Weduwe (“The Red Widow”) just last year — a brooding, folkloric piece of work steeped in oppressive black metal and deeply rooted thematic content.
Now, with their latest effort — the split Mandatum — these two distinct entities join forces. While their sonic identities and geographical backgrounds differ, they share a common vision: a black metal deeply entrenched in spiritual rebellion, esotericism, and soul. Each band contributes three exclusive tracks to this release, and what unfolds is an intriguing interplay of styles, influences, and intent — as if two parallel rituals were taking place on either side of an unseen border.
Thanks to the thoughtful mix and master by Thomas Taube, this split is far more than just two sides of a record. What we’re presented with is a sonic unity, where both bands not only complement one another but elevate each other’s presence. The production is crisp without sacrificing rawness — a rare balance that ensures both fury and subtlety come through with full force.
We begin with Side A, which belongs to Germany’s Excommunicatio. What they offer is nothing less than a relentless storm of dark, blistering, and expertly executed black metal. From the very first second, you’re dragged into a vortex of blast beats, frostbitten riffs, and a vocalist who delivers his lines with impassioned ferocity. The music is fast, unrelenting, yet carefully structured, offering the occasional mid-tempo passage to provide breathing space — without ever losing momentum.
Each of the three tracks presented here easily surpasses the seven-minute mark, yet none of them overstay their welcome. They’re built with a strong sense of pacing and atmosphere, shifting in tone and dynamics while retaining cohesion throughout. This is black metal as it was meant to be: uncompromising, intense, and chilling to the core.
The standout track is undoubtedly “Infamia – Consign Them to Flames.” Here, Excommunicatio unleash pure devastation, packaged in razor-sharp musicianship. The song overflows with tension and aggression, its haunting melodies clinging to your ribs while sudden tempo shifts threaten to knock you clean out of your seat. It’s a thunderbolt out of a clear sky — the kind of track that doesn’t just make an impression, but redefines your listening experience.
With their side of this split, Excommunicatio prove they possess not only technical prowess, but also a deep understanding of atmosphere, structure, and powerful songwriting. If this is just the opening salvo, then what follows promises to be something truly special.
And then comes Beenkerver. Where Excommunicatio ravage Side A with merciless aggression, Beenkerver delivers a more introspective, yet no less intense take on black metal. Niels, the creative force behind the project, already made waves in 2024 with his stunning De Rode Weduwe — a record that rightfully found its way onto many year-end lists, and firmly established his place within the Dutch black metal underground. That album displayed a mature composer with a flair for emotional depth and haunting atmosphere — and it’s exactly that path that’s followed here.
The material Beenkerver brings to Mandatum feels like a natural extension of De Rode Weduwe, but never like repetition. The music remains drenched in mood and melancholy, built around melodic guitar work, subtle layering, and that characteristically restrained yet emotionally charged approach that has become his signature. The production is once again crystal-clear without sounding clinical, and each arrangement is crafted with precision, balancing intensity and contemplation in equal measure.
Behind the drums, Niels is once again joined by Joris Nijenhuis, known from Deathless Void among others, who also contributed to De Rode Weduwe. Joris adds not just technical expertise but a musical intuition that supports and enhances the compositions rather than overpowering them. His drumming provides a firm foundation while allowing space for the emotional weight and melodic sensibility at the heart of Beenkerver’s sound.
While all three tracks are strong, the highlight for me is without doubt “Faustiaans Lam.” This is where everything converges — the careful build-up, the layered guitar work, the subdued yet urgent vocals. The track moves gracefully between menace and resignation, darkness and light. Even the title hints at deeper layers of meaning, and the music more than delivers. It’s a piece that lingers long after it ends, revealing new nuances with each listen.
Once again, Vendetta Records delivers a strong release, complete with striking artwork and a booklet containing all lyrics and additional context.
Mandatum is more than just a split — it’s a carefully constructed journey into two distinct yet spiritually aligned realms of black metal. A dialogue between kindred souls, each speaking in their own tongue, but echoing the same eternal truths.
90/100
Excommunicatio:
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Beenkerver:
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Vendetta Records:
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