Formed way back in 1991, TULUS is a Black Metal band from the first wave of Norwegian bands that released a few albums back in the day and that I remember a lot, due to the weird cover picture of their first album, with a kinda corpse painted guy with braids, that looked really weird for that time. Their earlier efforts were not that far away from what DARKTHRONE, SATYRICON or GORGOROTH were doing at the time, with probably a bit clearer production values. At this first era they did three more albums before taking a break. The band is also closely related to KHOLD, as all the members were or are now part of that band, and play a kinda similar style. Then at around 2007 they decided to resurrect the band and with basically the same line-up. They have released five more albums since then and now this, we are talking about their eighth. TULUS was probably one of the very first bands incorporating a regular Rock’n’Roll sound and essence in their Black Metal and at the same time they adapted to modern times, using production values in their favor. This is a Black Metal album that MOTÖRHEAD would be proud of. Yes, there are still many old school Black Metal sounds, but they are able to mix it with such ease that it makes the band sound different than you regular Black’n’Roll bands that are many around. They even use some well done flamenco and acoustic parts and never sound out of place. Obviously some thrashier bits are here and there, and some sound in the Post Rock style, but believe me, they do not sound forced and flow very good with everything. This is the kind of album that every time you listen to it, the more things you find. I also must mention the performance, which on all levels is so good, the great bass lines and the catchy riffs and great solos. Still, not every Black Metaller with a need for caveman sounds will appreciate this. This is elegant, almost avantgade Black Metal with a Rock’n’Roll attitude and no boundaries set for the music. And to add insult to injury all songs are invoked in the native Norwegian language. The last song named ‘Sabbat’ is a very direct homage to the founders of Metal that the band is not even hiding it and proudly states, and damn they even used an harmonica with very good results! A very interesting listen that Metal fans will definitely find something in, perhaps a new classic for future generations. www.facebook.com/tulusband, www.facebook.com/darknessshallriseproductions