Belgium has stepped up to the plate. When it comes to Pagan Black Metal, we are greeted by the four man band THEUDHO. Formed solely by guitarist/vocalist Jürgen in 2003, and adding full time members by 2005, Cult Of Wuotan is THEUDHO’s third full length release.

This album is quite majestic in all senses. We start out with a keyboard intro and a speaking voice telling the foreboding tale of the Cult Of Wuotan. Then we are blazed into track two Terror Cimbricus, featuring swirling black metal guitar riffs, along with a fast driving drum beat. Atmospheric keyboards are barely noticeable in the background. Jürgen’s vocals are gruffly growled forth, sometimes understandable and sometimes not. The guitars are at the forefront of the mix, sounding primeval at times. The solos are very enchanting. THEUDHO is all about myths and legends. Focusing on the ancient folklore of a Germanic deity named Woutan. Every song on the album tells a story of the things that Woutan has done or wrecked havoc on. Usually an album like this makes you want to head bang, but this Cult Of Woutan just makes me want to read books to find out more about him. At times a female maidens voice drifts into the songs. Predominantly on the song Veleda. I find all the songs on this album to be rather epic. At times it gets a bit tedious, but the talent of the musicians and structures of the songs make THEUDHO stand alone.

Fans of the Pagan Black Metal genre will dig on the tales that is known as The Cult Of Wuotan.