Dutch folk/black metal act Alburnum are proud to announce their new studio album, “The Withered Roots of Reality”, out 20 July on all streaming platforms. Info on a physical edition will follow later.

In a clear progression from their debut “Buitenlucht” in 2022, the six tracks on “The Withered Roots of Reality” showcase significantly more ambitious and dynamic arrangements. Seamlessly combining folk and neoclassical influences with faster and more aggressive sections, Alburnum continue to craft their own vision of black metal, elevating their work to new heights of melodic intensity.

Fittingly revealed on the date of the pagan May Day festival, “The Withered Roots of Reality” focuses on the presence of ancient folklore and mysticism in modern, fast paced life; all but hidden from superficial observation, yet all around us if one knows where to look. A personal narrative about looking past the veil of society for guidance, shedding past trauma and slowly adapting to a world indifferent to your kind.

As on their debut, all songs are augmented with lush folk instrumentation, including acoustic guitars, mandolin, accordion and choir vocals. Sheep horns are struck together as percussion on the band’s first ever instrumental, “Spring Flowers Bloom in My Hollow Skull”.

The album’s monumental closing track, “A Veil of Darkness Upon My Ancestral Home”, opens with a sample from the original tape recording of D.B.’s baptism service, bringing a unique personal touch to the material before bursting into blackened riffing and agonized vocals once again.

“The Withered Roots of Reality” was mixed by fellow Dutch craftsmen W. Damiaen (Laster) at Catacomben Studios and mastered by J.B. van der Wal (Dool). Cover art and logo by the prolific Viral Designs.

A fully realised and confident statement brimming with melodic hooks and memorable songwriting, Alburnum’s newest effort is sure to turn heads among international fans of the folk/black metal genre.