Vananidr - In silence descent.
Vananidr is one of those bands I always keep a close eye on, eagerly awaiting new music. And now, finally, the wait is over with their long-anticipated album *In Silence Descent*.
I’ve always wondered, “Can Vananidr get any better?” They’ve consistently hit such a high level that it’s hard to imagine them topping their previous work. You know that feeling when a band seems to perfect the sound they’re going for? You think, "Surely, they can’t outdo themselves." But then they prove you wrong—in the best way possible.
For me, this album feels like the band has leveled up. The guitar tones are still unmistakably Vananidr, similar to what you hear on albums like *Damnation*. But this new material feels more refined, better written, and with a noticeable improvement in production.
Take Track 5, “Feathers,” for example. It starts by basically drop-kicking you in the face with its intensity. The blast beats are super tight and set a fast but controlled tempo, while the signature power chords shred over the top, adding a melancholic layer. Then, the vocals come in, perfectly complementing the atmosphere and taking you on an immersive journey.
One thing I’ve always loved about Vananidr’s music is their ability to craft chord progressions that just stay with you long after the track ends. If you haven’t yet, check out "Hunter" from the *Damnation* album—it's a perfect example and also a great track to practice those intricate patterns on guitar.
Back to “Feathers”—about halfway through, you’ll hear the main guitar fade out as other melodies take the spotlight, building towards a crushing tremolo-picked riff that’s backed by flawless drum work. It’s these little dynamic shifts that make Vananidr’s music so compelling.
As much as I love every track on this album, my personal favorite has to be the final track, “Burden.” It’s the perfect closer. The pace and atmosphere draw you in, creating a deep emotional connection. This is also where Anders Eriksson’s vocals shine bright. His haunting delivery matches the mood perfectly, effortlessly switching between vocal styles to match the flow of the music.
The guitar work on “Burden” is top-tier, too, delivering one of the most memorable melodies on the whole album. The tremolo-picked sections and gnarly string bends are just *chef’s kiss*. The production here is on par with some of the biggest names in the scene, and I can confidently say *In Silence Descent* is Vananidr’s best album to date.
Check the latest album here.
Taking everything I’ve just said into account in this brief (ish) review, I’m deeply satisfied with *In Silence Descent*. Vananidr has hit the spot in every way, and this album was 100% worth the wait. It seems I’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on these guys for future releases.
Now, onto the grade. I’d confidently give this album a **solid 9/10** for its outstanding composition. Every track feels carefully crafted, with evident thought and effort poured into each note. The production is impeccable, staying true to Vananidr’s signature sound while incorporating subtle upgrades in tone. The melodic diversity throughout the album adds depth, creating atmosphere at just the right moments.
In the accompanying interview, Anders mentioned, “I don’t consider maintaining our signature sound at all; that pretty much comes automatically when I write.” Yet, it’s clear that when you hear Vananidr, you immediately recognize their distinct style. Whether that’s intentional or not, it’s a defining feature—and undeniably a strength.
The drums remain true to black metal roots but bring a distinct character of their own. This might be down to the way Fredrik Andersson tunes the drums, selects the skins, Positions mics or other fine details, but either way, the sound is sharp and punctual throughout. (More info on this topic can be found in the Blackened/Vananidr Interview). Overall, *In Silence Descent* is a masterclass in balancing the familiar with the fresh. Vananidr continues to evolve while keeping their core sound intact, and this album stands as their best work yet.
9-10: Exceptional
7-8: Good, Great
5-6: Average, Decent
3-4: Fair, Mediocre
1-2: Poor, Subpar
