Achieving a balance between aggression and orchestration in the form of symphonic black metal can be challenging, and even well established bands have struggled at times in their career.
“Kings” may be Images at Twilight’s debut album, but it’s fair to say that with ex (and current) members of Ragnarok, In Vain, Blood Red Throne, Illnath and Ásmegin within their ranks this Norwegian project has a real depth of talent and experience.
Lograttin Part I (The Saga of the Ancient Warlords Chapter III) gets things going with a short ethereal piano piece with subtle whispers which build to growls, all over a howling wind, before things kick off with uncompromising black metal blasts and screams. It soon becomes apparent that while the level of intensity and aggression is not going to let up, it is perfectly balanced with intelligent orchestration. “Enthroned Darkness Triumphant” era Dimmu Borgir is perhaps the easiest comparison, but lets be clear, Images at Twighlight are far more than mere clones.
Ninhagaz (The End of an Era Chapter I), follows on seamlessly and it was during this 13 minute epic that this album really got its hooks into me, as I sat back absorbing the melodies, enduring the aural assault and trying to make sense of the lyrical content of this album. Project mastermind Andre Aaslie (Piano, orchestration and vocals) is quoted on the Indie Recordings website as saying “It is loosely based on stories of the extra-terrestrials who inhabited the Earth and created the first civilizations before humankind was created. The five compositions point towards the wonders they created and tells the story of their reign until the creation of man by the hands of Kaizanbar.” Profound stuff indeed!
Brief respite is provided by track four “Created to Destroy (TSOTAW Chapter V)”, which would not be out of place as a film soundtrack, perhaps surveying the devastation in the aftermath of armageddon. This sombre melodic interlude invites a pensive moment, before Awazor (TSOTAW Chapter I) builds things back up as swathing orchestral soundscapes are the subtle backdrop to its venomous metal attack. Kaizanbar (TEOAE Chapter II) follows and at 15:01 long, is the longest track on offer here. With this much time, the track takes us on an epic journey through every dark alley of symphonic black metal, until its rousing finale and abrupt end. Zatholach (TSOTAW Chapter II) continues the theme with some battering and yet symphonic black metal before things are brought to a close with Awakening of the Stars (TEOAE Chapter III), which is a 6 minute atmospheric, orchestral outro, and a fitting close to this epic masterpiece.
Yes, I’m a fan boy for symphonic Norwegian black metal, but this is something special. “Kings” is epic, bombastic, grandiose and symphonic, while still being aggressive and uncompromising. Fingers crossed for some UK dates (or a slot at Inferno!)
(9/10 Andy Pountney)
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