Style: Progressive black metal, post-black metal (harsh vocals)
Recommended for fans of: White Ward, Thy Catafalque, Blut Aus Nord, Wolves in the Throne Room, Dark Throne
Country: Netherlands
Release date: 27 March 2026

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Why do horns work so well in black metal? In a genre typically defined by bleak atmosphere, the addition of a tranquil saxophone or trombone often enriches the emotional texture—a flash of light amidst the darkness. Dystopia (the Dutch progressive and post-black metal group, not the California-based crust punk/sludge act) follow up their 2024 release with the second act of their forbidden depths series, De Verboden Diepte II: De Weg van de Meeste Weerstand, interweaving tranquil horns amongst an expansive black metal soundscape. With two tracks that span thirty-minutes, Dystopia plunge the listener into the depths of a post-black metal voyage.

The album opens with a placid mood via serene synths, seeming to set the stage for a gradually evolving post-black voyage in  “Confrontatie”. An abrupt harsh roar and entrance of sudden brusk, black metal stomping, however, result in a startling beginning to De Verboden Diepte II. This juxtaposition of the two different genres sets the stage for things to come. Dystopia oscillate between straightforward black metal and entrancing post-black metal as the album unfolds—though with more natural transitions than the album’s awkward opening. The incorporation of horns, either as backing to the black metal riffs or standing front and center in the more atmospheric, post-metal sections, is done effectively throughout De Verboden Diepte II. The tranquil trumpet, played by multi-instrumentalist Thomas Cochrane, on top of a reverb-laden guitar at the midpoint of “Confrontatie”, along with the subtly Pink Floyd-esque harmonious guitar solo which closes the track, demonstrate Dystopia’s ability to successfully step beyond their traditional black metal approach and incorporate beautiful melodic elements. Meanwhile, the midpoint of “De Ultieme Roeping” infuses a post-black atmosphere via a calm acoustic theme that is carried forward by the strings and horns prior to transitioning back to black metal fury.

Vocalist Dennis Onsia wails with a desperate urgency. Even though the meaning of his lyrics evades me, due to the language barrier, Onsia’s pain is palpable. A lamenting sermon is delivered by Onsia alongside trumpets and a restrained bass-led rhythm at the beginning of “De Ultieme Roeping”, demonstrating that despair is a universal language. By stepping back during the softer, post-metal sections, Osnia gives the horns and strings the required space to flourish, while his snarl gives the black metal a needed vicious bite.

Within the two tracks of De Verboden Diepte II, the subdued post-metal and serene horn sections are connected by extended blastbeat-driven black metal. While the monotony of this repetition is broken up slightly by occasional riff variations and harmonization between guitarists Rick Jongman, Thomas Cochrane, and Osnia, boredom sets in due to the sheer length of these passages. During the nearly twenty-minute “De Ultieme Roeping,” I found myself often glancing down to see how much time remained in the track, having enough after about ten minutes. The tremolo-riffs often carry on for a couple more phrases than needed—palatable during a six-minute song, though tedious during a track significantly longer. Ultimately, the black metal that connects the softer post-metal sections often feels like a lull, veering into filler material that stretches on for too long.

Ambivalence best describes my experience with De Verboden Diepte II. By combining serene horns with Osnia’s desperate and pained vocal delivery,  Dystopia deal an emotionally impactful performance. Though in between these engaging peaks, the valleys of repetition temper my engagement and overall enjoyment. Those of you White Ward, horn-metal enthusiasts will likely find plenty to enjoy in these forbidden depths, just don’t forget to come up for air every now and then.

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Recommended tracks: There are only two tracks…so listen to both of them
You may also like: Vorga, Mare Cognitum, Fen, Labyrinthus Stellarum, Wills Dissolve
Final verdict: 6.5/10

Related links: Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram

Label: Immortal Frost Productions

Dystopia is:
– Dennis Onsia (lead vocals, guitar)
– Rick Jongman (guitar, backing vocals)
– Thomas Cochrane (guitars, trumpet, trombone, backing vocals)
– Cees de Wit (drums)