You can’t judge a book by its cover the old saying states, which is what I did to some degree with this fourth album by Runespell headed up by multi-instrumentalist Nightwolf. My expectations for a feral black metal release were quashed upon hearing the first track, ‘Structures Of Collapse’, a song more in line with the melodic or pagan black metal styles. Nightwolf uses atmospherics extremely well on the release and backtracking through to the last album it is something he has done before with excellent results, particularly on the last album ‘Voice Of Opprobrium’ with its very cool ambient pieces. However back to the opener on the new effort and as the song develops its atmospheric phase the song surges with melodic riffing, but possessing a sharp raw sound that purist black metallers will certainly appreciate.
The lo-fi approach is nothing new of course, but here it imbues the album with an ancient almost antiquated ethos. The results are excellent however, as the opener leads into the more straight up blackened wrath of ‘Vengeance Reign’, spewing harsh riffs amidst the caustic vocalisations. At times I was reminded of epic Bathory material, though this is a lot harsher of course, as the song possesses emotive riffing that flows nicely into ‘Realm Of Fire’. The fade-in is effortlessly done, switching to pagan black metal elements unveiling a fine melodic envelope that coasts along cohesively, but harnesses an embittered aura.
Like previous albums this has its acoustic pieces, as ‘Into Dust’ shows with its morose toning that leads into ‘Tides Of Slidhr’. Surpassing the nine-minute barrier allows the song to develop superbly, slower at first, constructing layers of atmosphere as a cool isolated riff break sections the opening part of the track. Its epic stature is palpable, repeating segments that drive home the song as I was reminded of very early Enslaved here. The surging blast phase is expected and it arrives with considerable impact, though I felt the snare was far too low in the mix on the album, which was probably deliberate but I just prefer the drums to have a larger emphasis in the music I listen to. However, it is a minor point as the song channels its glacial riffing and approach down a chasm of iciness that continues with ‘Shadow’s Dominion’. Again a fade-in technique is adopted producing a moody opening with the slower pace, that comes across as drifting lazily but with purpose as a repetitive styling is felt, that I personally have always liked in black metal, as it allows you to absorb the riffing, wallow in it so to speak.
Closing the release is another expansive ambient piece, ‘Windswept Burial’, even though it is only a couple of minutes long, it swallows the listener with its acoustic posturing, unfurling melancholy and desolation equally that floats the album to its conclusion in exceptionally fine style.
(8.5/10 Martin Harris)
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