‘The more north the metal goes, the more grim it becomes’. That’s how I say it myself. Ethraid Engrin is from the most northern province of the Netherlands, Groningen. Ethraid Engrin is a name taken from the Tolkien books, The Lord of the Rings. It means: ‘The Fords Of The Isen’. Like other bands Ethraid Engrin also draws inspiration from those books. I haven’t saw them live, but seeing their live shots it has to be an impressive show. Corpse-paint and (what most black metal bands don’t have) convincing clothing.

Promo 2014 contains two songs. 1: Bereavement Of A Dream. 2: In De Eeuwigheid Vergaan.

 

I’ve read some other reviews of this promo and I agree that there is a big inspiration of Gorgoroth and Marduk. They don’t let the other bands song writing take over their own ideas however the first riff from Bereavement Of A Dream really reminds me of ‘Procreating Satan’ of Gorgoroth. Since this Promo 2014 has 2 songs on it, you would say that you haven’t have enough material to convince people. I say that’s not true. Ethraid Engrin really reminds people that there is a new band in the north of The Netherlands that really wants to kick ass.

Since the second song is Dutch, In De Eeuwigheid Vergaan (Perish In Eternity), you won’t be surprised that Ethraid Engrin sings Dutch on this song. They do this very convincing. I’ve heard bands (of many genres) do those, but a high percentage don’t do it up to standard.

 

Promo 2014 is an impressive cd because it reminds black metal fans that there is more to discover in the Dutch underground scene. People that like raw black metal, Ethraid Engrin really makes you want to hear more and more….and more.

Promo 2014 is an 8,5 out of 10.