A storm brews over the blackened landscape — Outlaw returns with Opus Mortis, a record that channels despair, triumph, and transcendence in equal measure. Signed to AOP Records, Daniel has crafted an album that feels both ancient and reborn, with each track burning like a ritual flame in the void. I had the chance to experience it early, and what I found was nothing short of mesmerizing.

Track 1

The album opens with an onslaught of blast beats and dark, oppressive chords. The way the track unfolds is brilliant — starting with scattered ride cymbal hits before diving headfirst into a precise, punishing rhythm. The drum tuning perfectly complements the warmth of the guitar tone.
I especially loved the tremolo-picked passage before the two-minute mark, followed by that heavy, downbeat section that evolves into a crushing chord progression. The pentatonic lead hovering above it gives a demonic edge that sets the tone for the record.
This song is layered yet crystal clear — a fantastic opener and a smart choice to kick off Opus Mortis.

Track 2

This track captures exactly what I expected from the new Outlaw album — reminiscent of Reaching Beyond Assiah, especially in the clean guitar sections under Daniel’s vocals. Around 1:40, the guitar shifts to a more uplifting, triumphant tone while retaining that black metal edge we all crave.
The standout moment hits at 3:22 when Tommi triggers a tempo and mood shift with sharp hi-hat strikes before dropping into a thunderous fill that launches one of the coolest chord progressions on the record.
By the end of this song, it’s clear: Outlaw has turned things up a notch, refining their sound while staying true to their roots.

Track 3

This one flows beautifully — every transition feels natural and purposeful. It’s easily one of my top three tracks on the album.
Where much of black metal can feel predictable, this song constantly subverts expectations. When you expect a higher chord, it drops lower, adding a sinister twist beneath the beauty of the lead melodies. Outlaw has mastered the balance between uplifting and sorrowful tones.
At 3:36, we’re treated to one of the best guitar solos I’ve heard in a while — bittersweet, dynamic, and full of feeling. The tone is warm, the phrasing expressive, and it fits perfectly. Absolute highlight.

Track 4

What stands out here is the subtle use of ambient textures and background sounds that fill the mix, giving the track a dense, cinematic atmosphere. It almost feels like a tribute to the undead — this would fit perfectly in a vampire horror film.
When the solo hits and every instrument surges to full force, it’s impossible not to grimace and headbang. Another thunderous drum fill leads into the next section — pure power.

Track 5

My second favourite track on the record. The riffs here are seriously addictive — dark, oppressive, and perfectly balanced by tight, punctual drumming. The main riff eventually gives way to a dynamic chord progression that moves fluidly across the neck.
A haunting ambient section follows, calming the chaos with soft textures and a smooth 4/4 rhythm before building back into controlled blast beats. Georgie’s contribution shines here — his style recalls Dödsrit but with a darker, almost 80s flair.
The way the main theme returns after the melodic bridge is pure genius. The flow is seamless, and despite its dark tone, it’s easy on the ears — one of the album’s most cohesive moments.

Track 6

This track opens with the most beautiful intro on the album. Every pluck of the string rings clearly through a gentle delay, supported by hand shakers and subtle percussive clicks that add warmth and depth.

When the song opens up, it’s overwhelming in the best way — rich, layered, and emotional. Daniel’s vocals here are my favorite on the entire record, blending perfectly with the instrumentation. The constant double bass under the main riff is precise and balanced, leaving space for expressive cymbal accents and creative fills.
A flawless track in every sense.

Track 7

The closer features some of the best drum work on Opus Mortis, paired with foreboding melodies that create a fittingly dark atmosphere. Around 2:10, the song shifts direction into a steady 4/4 groove that allows the guitars to breathe — shimmering, high-string tremolo melodies carrying classic black metal energy.
Daniel’s vocals blend seamlessly into the mix, becoming another instrument rather than a separate element. A sudden burst of heaviness later in the track adds that signature unpredictability that keeps fans like me hooked.
The album ends beautifully — a melancholic piano slowly fading into silence. A perfect, reflective outro.

Final Thoughts

Opus Mortis knocks the ball out of the park on every level. As much as I love Reaching Beyond Assiah, this record feels more refined — a true evolution of Outlaw’s sound.
The production is cleaner and more defined; every texture, ambient layer, and subtle nuance is easy to pick out. The guitars are rich and beautifully tuned, the solos warm and emotive, and the vocals cut through with clarity and conviction. Tommi Tuhkala deserves massive credit for his relentless yet tasteful performance — especially the tom usage and cymbal work.
Overall, Opus Mortis is a triumph. Outlaw has levelled up, both musically and emotionally.

9/10 — An essential listen for fans of modern black metal.