VALDRIN – TWO CARRION TALISMANS (2024) CD REVIEW | BLACK/DEATH METAL MASTERPIECE

⛤ Black Metal / Death Metal | 15.50€ (Mint)
⛤ Pulse Rating: 9.50 / 10

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The moment this repress from BLOOD HARVEST RECORDS arrived at the shop, I knew it needed a proper serious listening.
VALDRIN have been one of the underground's most consistent and fascinating forces since their early days, weaving their self-created "Ausadjur Mythos" through every release like a cursed thread lashing worlds together.
But "Two Carrion Talismans?"
This one is special.
This one is the sound of a band stepping into their fully realized form.

From the first spin, the biggest shock is just how alive this album feels. The production sits in that perfect middle ground—not sterile, not raw, but sharpened enough to carve through bone while still breathing with organic atmosphere.
Carter Hicks delivers vocals that channel the classic black metal rasp without ever feeling derivative, while his guitars and keys shape VALDRIN’s trademark cosmic dread. James Lewis pushes the low end with tight fingers, and Ryan Maurmeier’s drumming is relentless, fluid, and downright commanding.

This CD sounds absolutely massive on a proper system. Another reminder why physical media still rules the craft.

Opener "Junnatox" is a statement of intent — epic, melodic black metal infused with that strange, serpentine VALDRIN twist. You immediately feel the band moving higher.
Then "Nex - The Barren Sculptor" and "Sinews of Blood and Vein" continue the assault, their riffs spiraling and mutating, offering structure without predictability. Every melody feels earned, every twist gripping. The synth layering is subtle but transformative, elevating everything without ever overcrowding the mix.

"Funeral Tides of Orcus" stands as one of the album's transformative peaks — progressive, psychedelic touches blooming between blasts and tremolo fires. You hear shades of modern ENSLAVED, but warped through VALDRIN’s own mythology and melodic design. 

"Tempest Torn Asunder" delivers one of the record’s most unforgettable melodic passages, a soaring solo erupting from the chaos like a beacon. This is the kind of moment collectors like us cherish; the kind that makes a CD stay in rotation for years.

Then comes "Vesper in the Animus Lair", an absolute crusher — one moment eerie keys, the next a storm of blackened riffs and thrash strikes. VALDRIN’s ability to merge genres feels effortless.

And finally, "Crimson Blades in the Ausadjur Wake" stands as the album’s crown jewel: a journey of blasts, acoustic serenity, and triumphant melodic arcs that show just how far the band has evolved. 

When "Awaiting in the Spirit Genome..." closes the album with its haunting instrumental atmosphere, you're left suspended in the band's mythos, wanting more.

What makes "Two Carrion Talismans" timeless is the songwriting. Every riff, every melody, every atmospheric detail feels intentional, crafted, part of a larger narrative voice. It echoes the spirit of the mid-90s without ever feeling like nostalgia worship. It feels lived in. Honest. Visionary. And with touring ahead - which indeed happened, it's clear this album marked a new ascent for VALDRIN.

Collectors: this repress is absolutely essential.
Sonically powerful, visually striking, and part of a growing mythos worth following.
Grab it while you can — this is a band whose physical formats always rise in demand later.
A mint copy like this won’t stay long in the wild.

TRACKLIST:
1. Junnatox – 04:50
2. Nex - The Barren Sculptor – 05:01
3. Sinews of Blood and Vein – 04:22
4. Funeral Tides of Orcus – 06:32
5. Tempest Torn Asunder – 05:59
6. Vesper in the Animus Lair – 06:44
7. Crimson Blades in the Ausadjur Wake – 07:27
8. Awaiting in the Spirit Genome... – 02:23

CREDITS:
James Lewis – Bass
Ryan Maurmeier – Drums
Carter Hicks – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Brian "Bone" Thorburn – Recording
Dan Klein – Mixing, Mastering
Lucas Ruggieri – Artwork
Anton Escobar – Layout, Logo
Cody Einsfield – Photography

LINKS:
BLOOD HARVEST RECORDS
Bandcamp
Facebook
Instagram
🔥 For fans of: DISSECTION, NECROPHOBIC, ENSLAVED, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS
💀 Label: BLOOD HARVEST RECORDS


VALDRIN – Items Available at Pulse Records

Item Format Price Condition Order
Valdrin – Throne Of The Lunar Soul (2023 2xBlack Vinyls, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Booklet, Download Card) 2xLP 31.50€ Mint Order
Valdrin – Effigy Of Nightmares (2024, CD, Album, Repress) CD 18.00€ Mint Order
Valdrin – Two Carrion Talismans (2024, CD, Album, Repress) CD 15.50€ Mint Order


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