Ultar

Ultar is a pivotal figure in the modern Siberian black metal scene, originally forming as Deafknife in 2011 before rebranding in 2016. Based in Krasnoyarsk, their sound is inextricably linked to their geography, utilizing the 'Siberian' tag as a mark of atmospheric isolation.

Musically, they bridge the gap between the raw intensity of second-wave black metal and the melodic, expansive structures of post-rock and shoegaze. P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos, specifically the Dream Cycle, which informs their 'cosmic' and 'otherworldly' aesthetic. They are often associated with fellow Siberian acts like Grima (with whom they share members), forming a distinct regional collective that prioritizes nature-worship and cinematic production. Critical consensus highlights their ability to maintain high-fidelity production while preserving the 'cold' essence of the genre. They represent the evolution of black metal from a purely transgressive medium into a sophisticated tool for landscape-driven storytelling.