Tulus – Morbid Desires

Thirty-five years after their inception Norwegian-based black metal veterans Tulus are still going strong and return with a new album entitled Morbid Desires. The band is comprised of; Blodstrup (vocal & guitar), Crowbel (bass) and Sarke (drums). Only three years after its predecessor Fandens Kall (2023), the notorious three-piece is back with their eight full-length, released via Darkness Shall Rise Productions, which at the same time marks their 35th anniversary as a band.

Morbid Desires can best be described as a ‘hellishly catchy Norwegian darkness’ containing nine new morbid anthems, which are diverse, highly effective, and groove-laden songs, an evolution of a signature sound. Thus, the record masterfully balances traditional old-school Norwegian black metal with unexpected Black ‘n’ Roll, folk and avant-garde experimentations. Most of the nine compositions follow a mid-tempo performance, featuring characteristic grim vocals (including occassional beautifully chanted vocals), catchy mid-tempo riffs, flamenco and acoustic guitars, drum work which blends traditional old-school blast beats with groovier, minimalist mid-tempo rhythms, and finally Tulus’s signature prominent, groovy and cold bass lines characteristic of their distinct style of Norwegian black.

Despite the English moniker Morbid Desires, all lyrics are delivered in old Norwegian. They were penned by Hildr (wife of vocalist Blodstrup) and focus heavily on dark folklore. The prose deals with themes of soot, murky fog, pale dawn, internal noise and deep-seated cold. Alongside the album, the band also released an official lyric book, containing full English translations.

The official cover artwork for the album, created by artist Kjetil Nystuen, heavily complements the album’s dark themes. The songwriting on Morbid Desires balances their traditional raw & cold sound with diverse musical injections across the nine tracks.

The album is packed with great moments, but my personal favorites are; the album opener “Salme II” which begins with atmospheric, soaring keyboards and clean vocals before exploding into aggressive, old-school Norwegian black metal. Another very good song is the self-titled track “Tulus” representing the core essence of the band’s heavy-groove and grim atmosphere. Last but not least comes an energetic closer named “Sabbat”, an ambitious eight-and-a-half-minute song, and by far the longest track on the album. Undeniably conceived as a tribute to mighty Black Sabbath, this is simply amazing song, proving the outstanding musicianship of all three band members, and the inclusion of the trippy harmonica section.

Morbid Desires was recorded, mixed and mastered by Andy La Rocque at ‘Sonic Train Studios’, Sweden. The result of a former King Diamond guitarist’ job behind the mixing desk is the production that is absolutely perfect, flawless and authentic, perfectly balancing raw black metal punchiness with a clear, dynamic and modern sound.

Morbid Desires is definitely worth listening to, especially if you worship the likes of Khold, Taake, Immortal, Sarke, Darkthrone, Carpathian Forest, Vreid and other complementary acts who share similarities.

Find out more on this eight full-length instalment from this Norwegian hellish trio at bandcamp, or place your order at Darkness Shall Rise.