When discussing Cascadian black metal Agalloch, Panopticon and Wolves in the Throne Room are names that are often brought up. Despite the aforementioned acts being the most notorious of the subgenre, there are others just as deserving of same esteem and praise; Alda are one of those bands.
‘Passage’ is the Tacoma four-piece’s third full length record and is another solid instalment of their signature musical framework of black metal and neofolk. They pair epic song lengths with minimalistic song structures to produce strongly melodic songs that give nods to older Norwegian black metal bands.
Each and every song on this record seamlessly blends nature orientated subject matter, a DIY work ethic and both runic Norse and Native American spirituality in order to render songs that are altogether beautiful, aggressive, melancholic and hopeful.
What’s most noticeable about ‘Passage’ is the passion that’s behind the music; as songs shift between measured, dulcet acoustic sections and feverish hi-hat peppered infernos it’s easy to distinguish the heart and soul that’s been poured into every note. It’s also apparent that the band’s nature influenced ethos is dear to their hearts, with third track ‘Weathering’ featuring the famous “you can’t cheat the mountain pilgrim” quote from the movie Jeremiah Johnson.
While Alda may never climb the same ladder of success that Agalloch seem to have bolted up, they are every bit as good and have carved out their own niche and identity within the Mother Nature worshipping sphere of the metal community. ‘Passage’ is an eloquent body of work and a record that needs to be experienced as much as it is listened to.
(8/10 Angela Davey)
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