Review: “NTRL” by Millhaven

After a decade of aggression in 2023 Belgian Melodic Death Metal act The Curse of Millhaven changed their name to Millhaven before unleashing album “Dualism” a year later. At the time, nothing else had changed however two years on original vocalist Jasper Lobelle has stepped down, the void filled by former Corpse Mutilation  frontman Kevin Vandamme as they look to maintain eternal forward motion. Returning to the partnership that made their last album so great, “NTRL” was recorded and mixed at Breeze inc. studio with Bob Briessinck (Warbringer, Arson, Carnation) before mastering by Yarne Heylen (Sisters Of Suffocation, When Plagues Collide, Nervosa) at Project Zero.

An achingly beautiful cinematic style introduction piece of delicate piano that builds into orchestration and pounding war drums “Nothing Truly Remains Lost” sets the tone for something of epic grandeur. Vibrant lead riffs rise from the abyss before evolving still further into violent staccato riff breaks with ethereal background sounds, all of which pave the way for the rampant, heavy hitting opening cut “Eclipse“. A full on assault on the senses with restless and relentless drumming from Bart Rambour accompanying the brutal roars of Vandamme, it’s as razor sharp an opening cut proper as you could possibly want, the orchestral embellishments perfectly weighted to enhance rather than overpower. The surprise is that despite being just as heavy there is a little bit of Traditional Heavy Metal glory in the vibrant chorus of “Gravity” that leans into territory that bands like Amon Amarth call their own. A powerhouse cut with bursts of blast beats and Black Metal style percussive moments as well as scorching solo, this one is a truly captivating affair that will leave you breathless.

Having set the standard incredibly high with the first half of the record, there is no room for missteps in the second and with “The Nothingness” the five piece deliver another absolute scorcher at the heavier end of Melodic Death Metal. Menacing grooves and intricate leads are paired with little moments of nuance, the orchestration once more adding that little bit of texture but where it really comes into its own is the brutal scream-a-long chorus. It’s catchy enough that it will have you wanting to join in while being unflinching in the decision not to include any clean moments in the angry anthem. The opportunity is there for all to see and it has been purposefully passed up which tells you exactly where Millhaven want to be with their sound. The symphonic touches add a melancholia to the start of the crushing “Unity” that is echoed in the sublime leads as the song rises like a phoenix from the ashes. Vandamme’s vocals are demonically hellish as he screams with a clenched fist, the roar of “In grief, united we stand!” one that is hard to resist joining in with. Saving arguably the best until last “Breathless” strikes like a blunt force trauma to the skull with the kind of rampaging riffs Lamb Of God would kill for. The sinister urge is pushed further by the orchestrations once more, giving the punchy sound a little more edge, not that it needs it because the guitar sound is electrifying enough on its own, carving like a hot knife through butter. All in all, this new record is an absolute powerhouse, the only issue with it being that there isn’t enough! [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Eclipse
2. Gravity
3. The Nothingness
4. Unity
5. Breathless

“NTRL” by Millhaven is out 3rd April 2026 via M&O Music