Determined to Death and Beyond is the debut album that doesn’t just announce Archaic Oath, but screams it from the mountain peaks with a ferocity that puts bands twice their size to shame.

TWENTY ONE YEARS IN THE MAKING…

Twenty-one years in the making – that’s how long it’s taken for Arneriach and Lykormas’s vision to finally materialise. What began as a fleeting conversation in 2005 between these two seasoned underground warriors has emerged as Determined to Death and Beyond, a debut album that doesn’t just announce Archaic Oath’s arrival but screams it from the mountain peaks with a ferocity that puts bands twice their size to shame.

There’s something to be said about a project that refuses to compromise, that sees the shifting tides of modern metal and says, ‘not for us, thanks.’ In an era where bands are chasing viral moments and playlist placements, Archaic Oath have spent over two decades nurturing their vision, with Arneriach (Arne Vandehoeck) as the unwavering vocal force and lyrical architect.

When guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Lykormas (Filip Dupont) joined forces with Arneriach to finally bring this long-gestating project to life, it crystallised into something truly special – a two-piece juggernaut that proves you don’t need a full line-up when you have this level of vision and dedication. Arneriach’s tortured screams and haunting clean vocals are as recognisable as a fingerprint and as piercing as a winter gale.

ABOVE THE ICE

The album erupts with Above the Ice – a sprawling six-and-a-half-minute epic that sets the tone for the entire journey. The opening riff alone is worth the price of admission, a cascading, tremolo-picked beast that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. There’s a majesty to it, a confidence that comes from a project that knows exactly what they’re doing. The way the track builds from its atmospheric intro through multiple movements is masterful.

This bleeds seamlessly into Wrath of the Witches, which, for me, is the first jaw-dropping moment because the guest vocals from Jitte Boon and Cin Monrose add this ethereal, almost ritualistic dimension that elevates the entire composition. The interplay between Arneriach’s harsh vocals and the guest contributions creates this beautiful contrast that will have crowds mesmerised. If they incorporate this track into their live setlist with guest performers, venues better prepare for something truly special because this is going to be transcendent in the best possible way.

Forest of Horrors sees the album’s atmosphere intensifying, weaving through dark woodland imagery and primal terror. The lyrical content feels deeply personal and mythological simultaneously, like Arneriach is channelling ancient forces, and Lykormas’s guitar work is phenomenal – his ability to handle all instrumental duties while maintaining this level of compositional complexity is nothing short of remarkable. The acoustic interlude Requiem for a Doomed Soul provides a brief moment of haunting reflection. Written and performed by Kristof Vandebeek, this sixty-five-second piece serves as the album’s emotional centrepiece, a moment of stillness before the storm continues.

FULL INTENSITY

Abysmal Ascent marks a return to full intensity with driving rhythms and soaring melodies that showcase why this two-piece format works so brilliantly. There’s an accessibility here despite its savage nature that could pull in a whole new generation of fans, though knowing Archaic Oath, they probably couldn’t care less about mainstream appeal. Path of Penitence follows with crushing weight, the kind of track that feels like a spiritual journey through suffering and redemption.

Into the Temple of Light is hands down the album’s masterpiece. There’s absolutely no debate to be had. This is quintessential Archaic Oath – seven minutes of atmospheric black metal mastery that shifts through multiple movements like a dark symphony. This might be peak Archaic Oath, the culmination of everything they’ve been building toward over two decades, but for newcomers, this album might be the gateway, and if so, then this section isn’t a bad place to start at all. Actually, scrap that – this is the perfect place to start.

A COMPLETE STATEMENT

The album closes with their rendition of Emperor’s Ye Entrancemperium, and it’s a complete statement – a tribute that’s both reverent and transformative. It’s unexpected, brave, and utterly fitting. As someone who appreciates projects that maintain artistic integrity in an industry that doesn’t always reward it, hearing them tackle such a monumental piece of black metal history is genuinely moving. It’s like they’re saying ‘we’ve earned the right to stand alongside the greats,’ and you know what? They absolutely have. It’s a bold closer, one that will divide opinion, and it works because it feels earned. Some will question covering such an iconic track, but it’s the perfect acknowledgement of their influences and place in the genre’s lineage.

Archaiac Oath: Facebook

At The Barrier: Facebook / X / Instagram