Völva – Desires Profane

Desires Profane is the first full length album by Sweden’s ‘avenging witches of black metal’, going under the moniker of Völva. The powerful trio behind Völva (In Norse mythology the seeress is usually referred to as ‘völva’) consists of three angry ladies; Hedonosticia (vocals & bass), Vittra (guitar & vocals) and Skuld (drums/vocals).

Desires Profane comes as a follow-up to their enthusiastically praised 2020 debut EP entitled, Promises Unfold as Lies. This latest 10 tracker full-length is set for release in just couple of days, namely on 28th November 2024. It’s been released by two labels; Grind To Death Records (CD) and Fiadh Productions (vinyl).

Firstly, once again my special thanks to the Christianity (and religion in general) for being an endless source of fucking badass lyrical inspiration for many of the world’s extreme metal bands. Apart from organized religion, another topic that is close to Völva’ black hearts is ‘ feminism’. Thus, album is described as ‘ten hymns to the lost souls of their persecuted sisters, incinerated upon the murderous bonfires of Christianity…’. I think this part of a description resonates with my experince after three spins of their opus.

Desires Profane begins with a vivid opener called, “The Tower”. Already as the first riffs kick in, coupled with opening lines, ‘Ave Satanas, My eyes have been opened…’ – no one needs to tell you that Völva makes Satanic black metal music?! Apart from haunting atmospherics, this song is vivid and sinister. After the intial tones are set in, the song changes a character bringing more wailing guitar tones and razor-sharp riffing. Next comes “Walk With Me”, a track with some dizzy guitars, howling throaty vocals, dark and thich bass lines and punishing drums. “Expulsion of the Flesh” is first real ‘out of control’, chilling and blood-freezing chaotic black metal anthem. It’s a delirious and kind of ‘controlled chaos’ song, as this unholy Swedish trio successfully blends melody and insanity.

“Inverted Cross” is another storming yet eerie black metal assault, with violent drums, strong and well-placed riffs, an intense and driving bass, and insane and screaming vocals. “Never Forgive” is a mid-placed track that features some doom atmosphere, fuzzed-out riffs, howling sharp vocals, devastating drums and some almost hypnotic bass parts. “The Serpent” is another song with this violent beginning, with violent and catchy guitars, that are the driving force of this track. The next one called “Perpetual Putrefaction” is probably the bloodiest and most violent (not necessary the best one!) of all the songs from Desires Profane, mainly due to some demonic shrieks, heavily distorted guitars, and yet thrashing sound of other instruments that are creating this overwhelming sound wall like trapped in a hell. It has some weak parts too, but in general, it’s another decent song.

“Asmodeus” is much more coherent and more professional from many of its predecessors; where we can hear some gnarly vocals, suffocating and tornado-like instruments, again creating this ferocious and superb end. After careful beginning, “Salvation” is another track exploding and racing recklessly as we move further towards the monstrous grand-finale. Closing song, “Vagabond” is a cover of Swedish duo Nordman’s “Vandraren”. It’s an electrifying album closer, where Völva adds some of their own personality and trademark sinister sound. It turned out pretty effective and pleasant to listen to.

The production of Desires Profane is impressively effective, fast and incredibly tight. On this debut 35-minute crusher, Völva clearly pays homage to the second wave of black metal and acts like Absu, Wolfbastard, Taake, Marduk, Behemoth, Darkthrone, Immortal, Urgehal etc.

As a vivid sign of what you can hear on this new album, watch a video of Völva performing the aforementioned opening song called “The Tower”. It’s been filmed in the setting of ‘Studio Quaalude’, a recording studio located in Malmö.

If you’re into black metal acts that, like Völva, are deeply rooted in a fierce ideology that combines satanism, feminism, and a wide range of anti-Christian influences, then Desires Profane will show you the way into the blackened & doomish darkness.

For more on the band, and this particular debut album, go https://volva-bm.bandcamp.com/album/desires-profane or https://grindtodeathrecords.bandcamp.com/album/desires-profane