Far too many blackened death metal bands present a mix of half-measures. For me, the top appeal of the subgenre promises the violence and technicality of death metal combined with the frozen atmosphere and raw aesthetic of black metal. The quintessential stereotypical BDM band concocts a lukewarm blend comprising a death metal base with black metal spices. Fortunately, Graufar avoid getting stuck in pedestrian traps.
Sharpening a sound established on the debut Scordalus , Via Necropolis displays cold shivers, creaks and a layer of corpse paint that betrays their blackened heart, and it strikes with the blood of Dissection , Necrophobic and Rimfrost . The death metal influence is more subtle, hidden in heavy grooves and savage growls that combine flawlessly.
Although the performances of Graufar on Via Necropolis are praiseworthy, vocalist Gernot Graf deserves particular recognition. His caustic vocals unleash misery and malice that awaken a primeval reflex, making my throat tighten at the thought of growling.
Tracks like “Blizzard and Blaze” and “Foltertrog” show Graf’s tendency to burst into every trace of emotion, from caustic chanting to agony. The black metal rasp isn’t his only trick. Graf roars with an insatiable fire on “Charon” and “Buried in Flames”, culminating in beastly spasms on “Heralds of Doom” and “Via Necropolis” and ensuring his versatile performance never lacks conviction or warmth. Graf also plays guitar alongside Michael Herber, and together they create a shining heap of licks, leads and grooves. And it’s the latter that stands out most, because while death metal displays them regularly, black metal rarely deigns to endorse the groove. Meanwhile, “Buried in Flames” and “On Your Knees” demonstrate Graufar‘s shrewd understanding of songwriting, and reinforced by Thomas Buchmeier’s sly bass and René Hinum’s precise drumming, Via Necropolis certainly delivers.
Throughout Via Necropolis , Graufar impress with their ability to create dynamic arrangements inspired by influences. Starting with an intro encoded by Dissection on “Blizzard and Blaze”, the Graufar cut in with soft clean passages, slide through the savagery of the second wave that recalls Mayhem , and even mix in throat-singing before finishing back on the clean passages. “Heralds of Doom” includes a blazing solo that recedes into a pit-ready sway, “Via Necropolis” starts with an elegant Necrophobic riff that meets Watain and builds into a doomy chorus played over frenzied streaks, and “On Your Knees” hits you in the face with a strong Sepultura groove.
Despite Graufar introducing touchpoints, they never stay on any one for long. The songwriting is deceptively subtle, and although this works in Graufar‘s favor overall, on repeated listens I find my ear more attuned to the back half of Via Necropolis . Rearranging the tracks (“Buried in Flames” would have been a fantastic opener) and lightly trimming the longer ones would add an immediacy that brings part of the back-end’s explosion to the front.
Overall, Graufar deliver a lively display that boasts a refreshing version of blackened death, full of wonderfully sly ideas. Via Necropolis brims over throughout its forty-two minutes and distinguishes itself as a band worth watching. Considering that both Graufar albums have been released independently, the band displays remarkable songwriting craft and self-production, and Via Necropolis shines with talented musicians creating well-made metal tracks. Better late than never, I’m glad this diamond didn’t slip past me.
Rating : Very good!
Websites : Website | Bandcamp | Releases Facebook
worldwide : March 20, 2026
