Swedish Old School Black Death outfit Korp released their debut album, Until Eternity Calls, way back in 1997. Since then, they have only dropped, until now, three studio full-lengths, plus a few EPs, compilations and demos. Their last full-length was Thorns Of Centuries Unfold back in 2001. However, they have been an ever-present force in the Swedish Metal underground scene and are set to drop their fourth offering, And Darker It Shall Become.
Korp – And Darker It Shall Become
Release Date: 5 September 2025
Words: Jools Green
Hints of this new full-length may well have been echoed back in June when Korp released two singles, released as the EP Feast Upon the Spineless digitally and independently. With both of those tracks included on this release, this is great news for anyone after a hard copy.
Even better news is that, though it might have been twenty-four years since the last Korp full-length, And Darker It Shall Become is a superb offering that has been well considered and crafted and therefore well worth the wait.
Definitely a case of quality over quantity, as the album delivers, once again, a brutal melding of Black, Thrash and Death Metal.
Opening with Blood Upon The Throne, a sinister wave of gathering riffs build alongside a searing wave of vocals which go on to deliver excellent great range across this piece. The riffs level out into a dark, undulating wave, adding a subtle melodic feel without compromising the dark brutality.
Just before halfway through, it does take a dark, reflective drop back, which builds further on the sinister atmosphere before rebuilding into another repeating aural assault. Overall, a track that packs a mighty punch that does not just engage, it pulls this listener in.
Maintaining the momentum of its predecessor, Furious Tempest Rise lives up to its title. The riffs continue to drive in undulating waves, and the acidic opening roar cuts a vicious swathe. Pace wise, it is punctuated with dramatic pauses and switches between punchier, more sinister elements and driving waves. The vocal phrasing adds to the impact while, at the midpoint, a slightly exotic burst of leadwork builds on the overall texture of the piece.
I Swear Allegiance takes the pace back to something a little slower and reflective. It maintains the dark atmosphere with a pace that ebbs and builds in short, sharp, frantic bursts.
Next is Bloodstorms, the first of the two tracks that featured on the EP/double single back in June this year. I love the slower, unnerving repeat, which makes up much of the core of the track, punctuated with acid screams. Another slower-paced piece where the punctuation and protraction of the scathingly acidic vocals build beautifully on the atmosphere, there is also a burst of lead work towards the close that elevates the piece nicely.
After an eerie keyboard intro, The Ritual builds into a Black/Death Thrashy driving beast. Melded with dramatic blackened drops, searing acidic vocals and screams and sinister swathes of dark riffing, you get another final burst of those eerie keys towards the close. A piece that sends a chill down your spine. I love it!!
The hauntingly reflective and melodic opener on Heaven Ablaze builds into driving up-tempo waves of riffing that twist and change. Punctuated by the acidic growls, the opening melody re-surfaces throughout the piece, making it superbly engaging.
The Night’s Embrace is a dark builder. I love the echo on the opening “Oooh!” Throughout it oozes a dark, sultry and sinister atmosphere from the driving waves of riffs and raw, searing and superbly protracted vocal delivery. With the closing lead work keeping a low profile but maintaining a haunting aura, this is a wonderfully dark and engaging piece.
A dark driver from the offset, Black Winter Masses is a piece that packs a punch as well as delivering swaths of pitch-black riffs, with the vocals tearing a brutal path through. But there is also an equally dark, subtly melodic aspect that helps make it such an engaging listen.
Next up is the second piece that featured on the EP/double single, Feast Upon The Spineless. I love so much about this piece, even the title excites my imagination. With more waves of pitch-black riffs interspersed with melodic drops giving an engaging ebb and build, the acidic vocals cut through like a knife. A midpoint protracted gurgling growl makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck. There is also further superbly dramatic vocal protraction in the second half.
After an eerie keyboard intro, the final offering, Graced By Flames, turns into an all-out driver filled with punchy drum work and acidic screams. It levels out into a more melodic mood but is punctuated with brutal swathes of dark riffs. The impactfully acidic vocal scream and protractions remain throughout.
With a final burst of that melodic element towards the close, the song ends on a blood-curdling, acidic vocal protraction in what is a superb end to this Korp album that makes you want to listen all over again.
The unnervingly intricate and detailed artwork for And Darker It Shall Become is by Balázs Pénzes of Grafit Hamu Artworks. The album will be released on CD and digital formats from And Darker It Shall Become | Korp | Grind to Death Records and should be of interest to fans of bands such as Lord Belial, Necrophobic, Marduk and Devastator.
Prepare for an onslaught of darkness and embrace And Darker It Shall Become!!
