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Infinity
“The Untamed Hunger” (Immortal Frost Productions, 2023)

Immortal Frost Productions is quickly becoming one of my go-to labels. In a world where Black Metal has become - once again - Raw and Visceral, and plenty of times established on an awful production, it is quite relaxing to centre your ideas and focus your mind on a better produced Black Metal, rich in classic melodies and delicate “tapestries”. So please check Surtur’s work. Nevertheless, I am here today to talk about a specific release: “The Untamed Hunger”, by Dutch duo, Draconis and Balgradon Xul. Ever since I received their promo, I have been playing this a lot. It does, yes, sound like many Swedish Old School Black Metal bands, but I need to point out that these lads have been around, as Infinity, since 1995, so the Old School sound is their sound. Dissection, Dawn, Necrophobic, etc., plenty of quality bands, no doubt about it, and Infinity’s Black Metal follows the same line the Swedish have paved.


As mentioned before, Black Metal has been going hard on a harsher and visceral sound, away from what we might call mainstream, opting for a dirtier and meaner sound; awful production at times, although I must agree that it does give it that extra thing… Infinity has a different perspective of how a Black Metal band should sound, and I honestly love it. They are melodic, yet powerful. They created a well-balanced fusion of Melody and Harsh Black Metal. Well, in a way it is the more accessible Swedish Black Metal side, correct? Not Arckanum, no! Overall, Infinity delivers a powerful example of superior Black Metal, and if I may highlight any of the tracks, I need to mention “Hakathriel” as a fantastic song. It has it all, in my opinion. Yes, it does sound like Dissection, but that has never been a negative thing. Throughout the 6 tracks we are easily taken on a journey, one that eases the mind and elevates the spirit. Yes, Infinity’s Black Metal is quite uplifting, if that makes sense - and is even accepted - but their sound is just that: uplifting melodies. Black Metal can be a source of energy, and that energy does not always need to be dark and heavy, it can be powerful and melodic. The Dutch returns after 6 years of hiatus, and what a return it was. Please make sure to check the band and this album, and why not check the remaining Immortal Frost Productions releases? You might be surprised.



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