I’ve barely read anything about these guys that didn’t mention black metal masters Akercocke and what a ‘huge influence’ they’ve been on the band, to quote Talanas front man Hal Sinden, This particular platter even includes a cameo by Akercocke’s Jason Mendonça on the track Penetralium and there is a relationship between the bands that goes way back. There is little doubt drawing on such links is an invaluable PR tool in times when even the most devoted metal fan would struggle to keep abreast of the deluge of new releases – and sure to draw the attention of otherwise fleeting observers. But it’s also difficult to move on from – as I suspect the band is beginning to realise. The sheer intensity, the menacing power, the shocks and surprises in Akercocke’s music makes their vision of progressive black metal a monstrous one indeed. They are, quite simply, in the top flight of bands that do what they do. But then it’s also worth pointing out that Talanas themselves have already received their fair share of adulation.

The Waspkeeper follows a much praised EP that had also set a high bar of expectation for the band that they in some ways manage to meet. It begins with an explosive barrage that suggests an attempt to challenge the might of their mentors. But while there is clearly an influence here (they even share the same Edwardian dress sensibilities) Talanas soon show they are more than happy to plough their own furrow. And plough it they do – there is without doubt considerable talent within the band. There’s also a nod 1980s goths like Fields of the Nephilim at work here in the downward swings and, dare I say it, more than a hint of Opeth, forever the favourite of the heavy metal progster. But with promise of tracks like The Ecstasy of Betrayal there is also a point when I’m left waiting for the inspiration or wondering if I’ve perhaps missed something.

The speed and intensity, arguably the easy bit, too regularly peels away into something that is supposed to smartly contrast but just ends up being less absorbing. A little less inspiration drawn from the back catalogue of 80s goth rock and a little more Talanas would do me just fine. The band are already at work concocting new material that seems likely to be released sometime early next year and this is promising enough for me to look forward to that with cautious anticipation that they can throw off the ties that bind them. Talanas certainly have their work cut out for their next release. Early comparisons with great bands can be worth having on your side. But they will also end up being a ball and chain.

(6/10 – Reverend Darkstanley)

http://talanas.org