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To mark the first release on vinyl of Irish black metalers Horrenda‘s second full length, Díoltas, we’re streaming in full this blistering experimental black metal assault, and letting the band take us through a track-by-track discussion of the reissue. Originally released independently on cassette and CD in 2020, this freshly remastered vinyl version finds the sextet—Darragh “Outis” O’Connor (guitars/backing vocals), Arron “Nomad” O’Shaughnessy (lead vocals), Keith “Donn” Smith (bass), Mark “Morrdok” O’Brien (guitars), Cormac “Desolatus” Jordan (guitars), Matthew “Dearg” McKenna (drums)—in filthy form across all ten tracks. The vinyl release arrives on May 30 via Fiadh Productions and can be preordered at the link in the Bandcamp player below.
“Balor”
The album opens with “Balor,” named after the Irish mythological giant and god of destruction. This track sets a foreboding tone with aggressive guitar riffs and relentless drumming. Lyrically, it evokes destruction and malevolence, using Balor’s fury as a metaphor for purging modern Ireland of its corruption and spiritual decay.
“Dian”
“Dian”—meaning “tough” or “intense” in Irish—sustains the album’s ferocity, blending raw black metal with haunting melodic undertones. The track balances brutality with eerie harmony, reflecting the persistent struggle at the heart of its lyrical themes.
Dian Cécht was a god of healing, specifically the physician of the Tuatha Dé Danan, the middle break section is some reflection on how Ireland can heal itself by returning to its past.
“AxeWound”
A short, visceral burst, “AxeWound” delivers sharp, unyielding instrumentation that evokes violence and betrayal. Influenced by Swedish melodic death metal pioneers At The Gates, it also employs a chord motif popular in Irish metal, notably by Dead Label. This song marks Horrenda’s first official music video, which follows The Morrigan—the Celtic goddess of war and fate—as she pursues and possesses lead singer Arron “Nomad” O’Shaughnessy.
“Díoltas”
The title track, “Díoltas”, offers an expansive, multi-tempo journey through vengeance, chaos, and resurrection. With its dynamic shifts in mood and structure, it evokes a descent into the Irish underworld and a symbolic return. This is one of the album’s most ambitious and atmospheric pieces.
“Craven X Horrenda”
This collaboration with Craven, a one-man Irish darksynth-industrial act, adds a fresh dynamic to the album. Craven’s aesthetic—steeped in the occult, 80s horror, and decaying latex—melds with Horrenda’s black metal roots to create a unique hybrid. The result is unorthodox yet captivating, reflecting both acts’ distinct yet compatible energies.
“Doom Tranquility”
“Doom Tranquility” juxtaposes notions of serenity with unrelenting aggression. A staple of the band’s live shows, this track explores the paradox of finding inner peace amid chaos. The blistering riffs and thunderous drums reflect a struggle for clarity and strength through turmoil, making it a defining moment on the album.
“Shot at Dawn”
This track confronts the execution and betrayal of the 1916 Easter Rising leaders. Fast-paced and emotionally charged, it channels the injustice and pain of those events through biting guitar work and forceful rhythms. A powerful tribute, “Shot at Dawn” stands out for its historical weight and emotional resonance.
“Nerve Gas”
As the album’s lead single, “Nerve Gas” engulfs the listener in a suffocating soundscape that mirrors the horrors of chemical warfare during World War I. One of Horrenda’s most potent anti-war statements, the track critiques the dehumanizing machinery of modern conflict, emphasizing the suffering inflicted upon the many for the interests of the few.
The relentless instrumentation—marked by pummeling drums and claustrophobic guitar layers—captures the panic and disorientation of gas attacks on the battlefield. Notably, the main riff originated from lead guitarist Darragh O’Connor’s first band, Valcata, and was featured on their re-released 2025 demo from “Nightmares and Promises”. This connection adds an additional layer of history and evolution to the track. The accompanying music video amplifies the song’s bleak themes with stark, haunting visuals.
“Primordial Knowing”
This track delves into ancient Irish wisdom, suggesting a deep-rooted knowledge fading in the face of modernity. Atmospheric and experimental, it stretches the band’s sonic boundaries while remaining grounded in black metal. It’s an introspective, almost spiritual moment that connects Ireland’s mythic past to its conflicted present.
“Sluagh”
A standout track for both the band and fans alike, “Sluagh” taps into one of the darkest corners of Irish mythology as metaphor for internal strife and struggle. The Sluagh are said to be the restless spirits of the dead—souls denied peace, wandering the skies in search of the living to carry away. Horrenda channels this chilling legend to further the album’s overarching themes of vengeance, unrest, personal struggle and the enduring weight of ancestral memory.
Musically, the track embodies a brooding, otherworldly atmosphere, blending haunting melodies with punishing riffs to evoke a sense of creeping dread. Its layered composition and mythological inspiration make it one of the most emotionally resonant entries in the Díoltas narrative.
The post Full Album Stream: Horrenda –Díoltas appeared first on Decibel Magazine.
