The rather innocuous moniker exhibited by this Swedish melodic black metal outfit belies the majestic fluidity that sweeps over the listener with this second album. Information is scant it seems surrounding the Swedes but within the ranks of this outfit is a core of musicians whose credentials are undeniable, cutting their teeth in bands such as Volturyon, Twilight Force and Dissection to name just a few of the bands these guys have had their considerable talents utilised or still within.
There is an inherent class that oozes out of ‘Uncrown’ the moment ‘Burn Them’ opens up with the an isolated bleak riff before the stupendous grandiosity thrusts forth. The dramatic poise is breath-taking unveiling everything that melodic black metal should be about as the song possesses emotive power with morphing tempo dynamics linked to caustic vocal passion that links into the sublime ‘Illicit State’. The opening riff is superb and reminded me of another fantastic outfit Imperium Dekadenz, where the melodic riffing is hooked into the dextrous atmosphere where a choral vocal like backdrop lifts the entire song stratospherically.
The gentile start to ‘A Hollow Tomb’ smoothly transitions to an enveloping atmospheric shroud of enriched desolation right before the cohesive soft blast section which whilst short-lived serves to gather the songs forces as the keyboard augmentations make the whole song massively opulent and theatrical. Everything about this album is about layering atmosphere, but within those strata are levels of subtlety each nuance of detail delivered via despondent riffing as on the opening section of ‘Undivine’ where the secluded guitar has a quirkiness that is upbeat before the choral vocal enhancement softly breathes symphonic dynamics.
Speeding up radically is the title track where the blasted aggression contrasts hugely with the previous track enabling the song to amplify the violence somewhat before closing the album with ‘Pyres’. The track radiates melancholy, though this time there is an increase in density and power. The melody of the song is distinct as the song channels its energy through an atmospheric piece midway that showcases spoken vocals that are eerily delivered as acoustic guitar work is linked to the dramatic posturing before the songs blasted conclusion and demonic vocalisations.
Anyone into the melodic atmospheric black metal genre would do well to pick this up as it is a prime example of how to blend aggression and ambience but above all captivating songs into an enthralling album.
9/10 (Martin Harris)
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