Featuring members from Horn and Cross Vault, Spere released their debut towards the end of 2024. This record strongly evokes late-era Bathory, Thyrfing, Empire Falls-era Primordial, and indeed Daudswiärk, which Horn released earlier in 2024. The music is similarly characterized by that typical mix of folk-tinged, striding, mid-paced riffing and faster passages, vocals alternating between rumbling growls, coarse but clean shouts and chants, and a punishing rhythm section. The production packs a punch, and this is overall a very listenable and melodic black/pagan metal album that never gets boring. The quality of the songwriting is somewhat variable, but songs like "Kevalier," "Charburner" and "Krier" stand out as highlights. The two latter in particular will bring you much joy if you find yourself missing old Primordial. A solid debut and a band to keep an eye on going forward.