Review by HanSathanas on July 13, 2026.

Here is one band that tries its best to go against the current in a very artistically fiendish way. Sporting seemingly unconventional song structures, riff-centric composition, and what I can only describe as minimalistic verses in place of standard lyrical delivery, Haiduk truly able to set itself apart from the rest of competitors; that is, if there is even anything to compete with. The band's latest offering "Archdevil" drops without so much of a bang but still manages to invoke its own localized maelstrom, stirring the undercurrents within wider black metal scene.

So, this lone wolf of a band came to my attention after a fellow reviewer directed me to check it out. I was intrigued given the fact that I have never heard of Haiduk before. Therefore, this is yet another interesting discovery for 2026. I don't know what to expect really; just going in blind listening to the songs for a couple of times to absorb fringe vibrations so I can have a clear idea on trying to describe the music as a whole. Although initially I was lowkey anticipating the style akin to Thulcandra or something commonly associated with melodic blackened death metal, Haiduk does not seem to conform to the stereotype for the better. What written here seems to move with such lissome grace across idiosyncratic compositions. Being a riff-focused output, the entire record felicitously captures the underlying sense of controlled chaos that is crafted with such precision and tightness. Therefore, it may be laborious to splay the tracks across my usual operating table because what lies before me is not a simple, single-celled organism; it's an amorphous mass of unidentified, multi-cellular creation whose mere existence proves asphyxiating to the uninitiated. There is not a moment where you can breathe easily listening to this album. It is a product of Milojica's abyssal gravitas whose meaning and interpretation is privy only to him alone.

The chords are constantly on the run with absolute impunity while the programmed drums are expectedly machining the riffs to a glossy finish. Because of this, the high revving guitar is able to sustain its torque all the way through, pushing and pushing until the end of the song proves to be its limiting factor. Chugging is interspersed with jangling, sustained chords that are reminiscent of Greece's Ravencult, among others, while tremolo is galvanized atop the already chaotic riffs. This is one of those records that doesn't feel hackneyed after an extensive listen as every track is still identifiably individualistic despite the overarching thematic unity. The occasionally pulsing lead line in "Deviser" provides additional ornament to the compositional engraving whose edges have been laser-cut to atomic precision. Lush technical aspects also flourished within the songwriting despite its disturbed mannerism. There is no build up – the whole album is constantly in high gear. No room for lachrymose breakdown or clean electric plucking. You can't even point to the last song as the ultimate cadenza of this album; it just assaults you with riff after riff stomping on your balls for not paying attention. The duality of guitar layering on this record is optimized to provide a rather busy passage from start to finish. Guitar tone doesn't necessarily have the kind of "bite" that I was expecting. Understandably, it sounds super distortedly modern.

Essentially, you are not just listening to the songs, but the songs are actually giving you a chase with its abrasive guitar tone. You are not taking a stroll in the park when this album is actively on the hunt for your attention. It's a modern, naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 screaming at you while spitting fire from the tailpipe and it will not stop until the whole album finally decides to give up the chase on its own terms – and you have no say in it the entire time before it pins you against a wall. There is even a trace element of "As Flittermice as Satans Spys" in Usurper if you have very keen ears.

Amidst the acerbic alacrity of thunderous, typhoon-like riffs, voices calmly whisper. It's not a growl. It's not a raspy shriek that we've gotten so used to in this subgenre. Milojica breathes laconic guttural whispers into the music. Think of it as a modern take on the deep growls commonly used by Beherit and to some extent, Von as well. Perhaps this approach is not so much about making a statement but fusing the lyrics into your subconscious. I mean, people can go on and on about how x vocalist has the sickest shrieks or how y vocals can shatter a glass at full force. But here, no. Haiduk doesn't feel the need to prove anything, and it's probably for the better. What is being practiced here is a sort of taking a step back from trying too hard. Perhaps Mr. Milo could do all those vocal styles if he wanted to, but what would he be if he was just going to be part of the flock? Being the sole guardian of this band gives Milojica a level of heightened artistic freedom that would be hard to find in a fully assembled band. Unique, is what he is going after under this moniker.

Despite all the above, the album is not without its low points though. Fortunately, the severity is still tolerable in my risk acceptance matrix. First, the guitar tone is too well-done. While it does carry that searing blast at a high yield in terms of large grain propellant, at times the tone can get quite sterile to listen to. Performance-wise, this album is murderous and I like it as it is. While faster sections, tremolo and tapping certainly spice things up, there are moments where the chords are desiccated atonally, particularly in songs that share similar repeated structure in the opening of "Infester". Moreover, the bass is, well, I don't even know where the bass guitar is on this record. I tried dialing up the volume knob on my headphones, but the bass just decides to ghost me entirely, which is a shame – because with added padding on the lower frequencies, the entire album would sound hell a lot meatier, like a medium-rare angus beef served on weekend barbecue.

The entirety of the project is obviously under the sole authorship of Milojica. Therefore, he is able to experiment with drum programming which provides him with unlimited control on how he wants the beating to be executed. Unfortunately, the drum sample(s) comes off as blatantly artificial. This can get a little grating to listen to especially when the drum machine is programmed to launch hyper blast on some of the tracks. The double bass, however, sounds totally fine with me. It's the snare that somewhat interferes with my listening experience in trying to enjoy this album.

Haiduk is driven by the need to keep exploring the darkness and discover what twisted and evil songs can be created, describing darkness as an endless, bottomless pit. The overview of this project also focuses on creating something different, strange, pattern-based, and atmospheric that people may have never heard before. I have to admit that it is indeed strange. Like I said, this album in particular defies expectation. I have to abandon everything I think I know and let myself be empty of presupposition before sponging in its tremor. The entire process has been quite a ride but there are bumps and potholes along the way. Being mostly based on dark fantasy realm called Callost, the entire endeavor champion in preserving its need for an identity that separates the band from the rest of players in the field. According to the band's website, "Archdevil" returns to the nine demons that were first introduced in previous full length "Demonicon", with 9 out 11 tracks here are dedicated to daemonic entities. The song "Darkener" focuses on the titular Archdevil Vordok while "Usurper" tells the story of King Arias who is transformed into a demon. Very interesting concept, I must say.

Definitely recommended all of you to check this out as this is a unique band with idiosyncratic concepts to boot. If you like your metal full of riffs, less growly or screamy, or just can't stand all the cookie monster vocals, this album is for you. I do enjoy it a lot. Unfortunately, by the time the album reaches "Abhorer", my ears experience a little fatigue because of the insanely plastic-sounding snare drum especially along the hyper blast sections. I have no issue with how the drums are programmed, again. Just the snare takes a little getting used to. Overall, this is a riff-tastic album replete with adventurous composition. Give it a listen and support the band if you like it!

Rating: 8.1 out of 10