Vanum

Vanum is a prominent project within the United States Black Metal (USBM) landscape, formed as a collaboration between K. Morgan (Ash Borer) and M.

Rekevics (Fell Voices). Emerging from the fertile Pacific Northwest and New York underground scenes, the band represents a synthesis of their primary projects' aesthetics: the long-form atmospheric density of Ash Borer and the raw, percussive intensity of Fell Voices. Over their career, particularly on the 2019 release Ageless Fire and 2022's Legend, Vanum has evolved away from pure atmospheric drone toward a more muscular, riff-oriented sound. This evolution incorporates elements of traditional heavy metal and Hellenic black metal, emphasizing melody and 'epic' song structures. Critical consensus highlights their ability to maintain a sense of grimness while embracing a more polished, powerful production style that emphasizes drum clarity and melodic interplay. They are considered a bridge between the 'Cascadian' style of the early 2010s and a more classicist approach to the genre.