Wrang - Verwording

Wrang is a black metal band from Netherlands, who formed in 2013.  Their latest release, “Verwording,” is their third full-length album; they have also released a demo, two splits, and an EP. 

“Verwording,” is easily one of my favorite metal albums of the first half of 2026.  I like this album so much that the last time I played Super Smash Brothers, I named my character “Wrang.”   I don’t know why that’s important to this review or what anyone is supposed to do with that information, but I felt the need to include it.  

There are a lot of different styles of black metal these days, but Wrang have opted for this album to be built upon riffs, solos, and a sense of melody that never overpowers but underscores their need to do their own thing, capturing the essence of black metal without being afraid to be themselves. 

I appreciate how much groove can be found in the songs.  Even when the speed kicks up and the melodic elements are riding upon a high, the band still injects a groove without it coming off as ‘black and roll’ or overly modern.   I’m fascinated how this album is obviously black metal and heavy, yet it isn’t an aggressive album, per say.  Neither is it too light, as the band smartly use melodic and atmospheric elements to complement their sound, rather than overpower.  

The production on the vocals is a highlight for me—-just raw enough and perfectly balanced in the mix.  Likewise, the instruments have much of the same feel, resulting in the album flowing very well all the way through. 

Of course, it helps that there isn’t a dull moment across the album’s 6 song, 39-minute runtime.  For me, this is the sweet spot for this style’s running time.  It doesn’t overstay its welcome, but the songs are so goddamn good that hitting the repeat minute to spend another 39 minutes doesn’t feel like a slog.   

The opening song, “Stilstand,” is straight fire.  The energy the band gives off is perfectly captured, and released, in this song.   By the time the minute mark has passed, the song finds a pocket of groove.  It almost feels like a jam session except it’s actually good.  The subtle nature of the song speeding up and the atmospheric conditions in which it thrives give it a natural feel, in both continued aggression and epic scope.

The band is at their best when the drums compliment these heroic groovy moments, before transitioning to melodic passages, as noted in “Nachten in Walheim.”  Within the first minute of the song, the band is full speed ahead, against the clash of drums and barreling bass.  It transitions to a melodic tinged groove then dives into a hurricane of raw, blackened power.  But it only gets better from there, as they throw in a catchy lead guitar lick in the middle that had me banging my head even as the warm melodies enveloped me. 

“Bitjebauw,” is my favorite song on the album.  The crackles and pops recall vinyl and I bet this song, and album as a whole, sounds great on wax.  This is a methodical song, taking its time to build up using deep, clean tones from the guitars/bass to set the mood.  I like the sparkling clean keys that dance up to the riffs—mysterious and arcane and lets the band have their atmo moments while still raging out.  The band’s seemingly unending supply of catchy passages pushes the song past the six-minute mark, without one single wasted moment and absolutely no boredom to be found on this every expanding horizon.

Wrang's "Verwording," is a must listen for the black metal genre in this first half of the year. The album's balance between the elements that define black metal, groove, and melody plus epic songwriting is definitely special.

Rating: Excellent