Guitarist Ian Declan founded Neroth in 2020 after honing his craft through various projects with the Metal Factory, a breeding ground for fresh talent in the metal scene. From the start, Ian sought to craft something that would stand apart from the traditional Black Metal template—both musically and vocally. In a genre often dominated by harsh, shrieking vocals, Neroth took a bold step by choosing a female vocalist, giving their sound a completely unexpected twist.
Enter Floor Vandenbrande, whose haunting, clean vocals create a fascinating contrast against the band’s pounding, melodic Black Metal. If her name sounds familiar, it’s because we also heard her on Beenkerver’s De Rode Weduwe, where she showcased her ability to add depth and emotion to extreme music. Neroth follows a similar path, incorporating her voice in a way that expands the album’s atmosphere rather than softening its intensity. It’s a rare but effective approach—one that reminded me of the Italian band Nubrivagant, whose melodic yet sinister delivery adds an otherworldly touch to Black Metal. Floor’s vocal presence here has a similar effect, adding an entirely new dimension to Transcendence.
That Ian has received a formal metal education is evident in Neroth’s songwriting. The album is not just a collection of tracks thrown together; it’s a carefully crafted journey. Strong build-ups, emotional climaxes, and beautifully constructed melodic lines are woven seamlessly into their Black Metal foundation. While the overall style leans toward the melodic side, there are moments where the band taps into a rawer, more visceral energy, creating a dynamic balance that keeps the listener engaged.
One of Transcendence’s biggest strengths is its excellent production. Every instrument is beautifully balanced in the mix, allowing each element to shine without overpowering the others. The drums hit hard, the guitars are sharp yet melodic, and the bass provides a rich undercurrent that adds weight to the compositions. Floor’s vocals are subtly layered on top, blending naturally with the music rather than standing apart from it. The result is an album that demands to be heard in its entirety rather than as individual tracks.
While the whole album is worth experiencing as a single, immersive piece, certain tracks stand out. Shadowbound and Seven Gates or Vergankelijkheid immediately grab attention with their infectious melodies and dynamic shifts, while the instrumental Weemoed offers a brief but effective moment of reflection before launching into the album’s dramatic finale. These standout moments highlight the band’s ability to balance aggression with atmosphere, melody with intensity.
With Transcendence, Neroth delivers a remarkably strong debut album, successfully transforming their unique approach to Black Metal into a physical form. It’s a record that respects the genre’s traditions while pushing its boundaries in unexpected ways. The fact that this release is entirely self-produced is even more impressive—this is the kind of album that feels like it should have come from an established label rather than an independent effort. Now, all that remains is for the right label to take notice and help propel Neroth to the next level. If Transcendence is any indication of what they’re capable of, this is only the beginning of something truly special.
85/100
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