The Wild Hunt
Watain · 2013
69 min · 12 tracks · black metal
Frenzied guitar riffs surge through dark atmospheric layers, merging primal energy with haunting melodies in a relentless black metal journey.
Top tracks — play these first
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De profundis — This track encapsulates the album's thematic depth, blending aggressive instrumentation with introspective lyrics that explore existential despair and the quest for meaning.
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The Child Must Die — A standout track that combines ferocity with melodic elements, illustrating the band's ability to balance brutality with haunting beauty in their compositions.
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The Wild Hunt — The title track serves as a climactic centerpiece of the album, weaving intricate narratives through its dynamic shifts and powerful vocal delivery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album combines aggressive black metal with melodic elements, showcasing strong craftsmanship and distinctiveness.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, atmospheric intro that builds tension before launching into aggressive riffs and blast beats.
- Several tracks feature tempo shifts, alternating between fast-paced sections and slower, more melodic passages.
- The use of layered guitar harmonies creates a dense soundscape, while the vocals often shift from harsh screams to more melodic lines.
- The final track features an extended outro that gradually fades out, leaving a lingering sense of atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- haunting melodies with primal energy
- relentless pacing that demands attention
- immersive late-night intensity
- dark atmospheric layers to explore
- cathartic release through frenzied riffs
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer light, upbeat sounds
Where this album fits
- Career context
- In 2013, Watain released The Wild Hunt as their fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed Lawless Darkness from 2010. This record marked a significant moment in their career, showcasing a more ambitious sound and lyrical exploration while solidifying their position within the black metal scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dissection· Marduk· Dark Funeral
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Night Vision 3:38
- 2 De profundis 4:33
- 3 Black Flames March 6:20
- 4 All That May Bleed 4:36
- 5 The Child Must Die 6:04
- 6 They Rode On 8:42
- 7 Sleepless Evil 5:37
- 8 The Wild Hunt 6:20
- 9 Outlaw 5:07
- 10 Ignem veni mittere 4:38
- 11 Holocaust Dawn 7:07
- 12 When Stars No More Shine 6:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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