Embracing Ancient Tales: A Review of Ifernach's Monumental Black Metal EP, ‘Four Fatal Amulets’

Embracing Ancient Tales: A Review of Ifernach’s Monumental Black Metal EP, ‘Four Fatal Amulets’

Ifernach Review:

The mysterious black metal entity known as Ifernach. There are many monumental and unique releases from this one-man project hailing from deep in the Gespegewagi wilderness. The Gespe’gewa’gi which means last acquired land is the 7th district of the Mi’gma’gi. The man behind Ifernach, Finian Patraic, is deep rooted in aboriginal culture and its fundamental values. Residing in Chandler, a small town on the Quebec Gaspé Peninsula. On many of Ifernach’s releases you will find the culture present and incorporated in the music and art.

The discography of Ifernach is extensive featuring a bunch of eps, full lengths, splits, and more. There are close to twenty releases that I’m aware of. If you’re a vinyl collector you would definitely have your hands full collecting the different LPs. I am not a vinyl collector but was fortunate enough to track down Patraic on Instagram where he goes by the handle Deathpox. I was also lucky enough to purchase the entire Ifernach catalogue digitally.

I was drawn to Four Fatal Amulets because I got my hands on a digital copy of the book which Patraic also wrote of the same name. This EP is the soundtrack for the book, and it serves as an absolutely monumental companion to the material. It invokes the feelings and nature that embodies the story upon the pages.

The Four Fatal Amulets novel is steeped in folklore, mythical warriors, and creatures alike. It spins a tale of a lone warrior who yearns to find his grandfather Lentuk and preserve his ways. The warrior is an outcast of his clan which resides on Ocre Island. His father Sagma sends him on a journey where Nitap retrieves four powerful amulets which will help him along the way. He faces many challenges and monsters such as the Shepitchkam, the giant horned serpent or the Passman who can use your thoughts against you. It’s a great read if you love material like Lord of The Rings. I enjoyed the book and would love a physical copy if the chance ever presents itself.

The music on the Four Fatal Amulets EP consists of solid and punchy black metal with groove, piercing/snarling rasps, and even some ancient chanting with traditional drums. The production is of great pristine quality and the musicianship is tight and precise.

The opener, titled The Ice Shield begins with a beautiful woodwind melody then transitions to sonic buzzing of guitars and pounding of drums. Overall, it is a great mix of black metal and melody.

Lietuven Star follows with more raw energy but eventually breaks off into acoustics. The Silver Medallion opens with mellow chanting and tribal drums for the majority until it breaks out towards the end. Slavic Stone then closes with a more powerful approach galloping to the finish line.

Four Fatal Amulets is a great EP. The book contains some great artwork as does the record release. Ifernach have immediately caught my attention due to the energy and ability to switch up styles while still staying true to black metal roots. I love the art style, the approach is so fresh and stylish, true, and raw. Ifernach is a project I will continue to support.

If you’re interested in his work, Patraic has several other great bands and releases (Moosegut, Gulguhk, Aufnorden, etcetera), plus he is accessible on Instagram if you message him. Four Fatal Amulets and any Ifernach releases come highly recommended.

Album Info:

Band: Ifernach (Can)
Album: Four Fatal Amulets
Members: Finian Patraic (Everything)
Year: 2021
Country: Estonia
Runtime: 30min 12sec

Label: ASRAR