UK Black Metal is in rude health in my opinion. I know that Dawn Ray’d have just called it a day leaving a massive gap but there is so much out there to enjoy.  I am not gonna name ‘em all but will give some quick props to Underdark, Blood Countess and Wynter Myst. The success of underground fests such as Darkness Over Cumbria and the larger Incineration show that there is a certainly a growing fan-base in these not so fair isles.

So, to Blencathra – a one-person speed black metal project that concentrates on the myths and beliefs of the Celtic people of England. That’s right England. I as a listener and pretty used to musicians – especially of the metal persuasion using Celtic mythos and history of Scotland, Ireland and Wales to pepper their lyrics and sounds but English Celts is a new one to me – I think? (Quickly goes to check Green Lung lyrics).  Blencathra is a hill in the Lake District also known as Saddleback and the eight tracks of this album are the aural accompaniment for a ramble through that beatific wilderness.

Gentle delight is the best description I can give for opener “Flows Leaves” which trickles like a brook through English countryside, early autumn morning sunlight reflecting in flashes on its surface. A warm bass line and the sound of grasshoppers and what could be a warming fire that heats a pot of breakfast gruel.

The scene is set for “Forest Samhain” which builds from a gentle beginning to something filled with magick mischief. Blast beats, razor sharp riffs and a combination of harsh barked vocals and low almost whispered deep cleans really give the ambience of a deep wood in Autumn. Getting Herne the Hunter or the Stag men from Shane Meadows recent The Gallows Pole TV series when it comes to vibes.  The solos hark back to classic King Diamond and some of the drumming is pure Heavy Metal – this album seems to pay homage to all the ages of Black Metal whilst forging its own woodland path.

I have played the 13 minute Rydderch on the radio in recent weeks – it is an epic that ebbs and flows bringing in elements of post Black metal, some gothic overtones and a dirty, barbed slash of 90’s evilness replete with galloping guitars and basslines.  You will find yourself humming at least one of the catchy as syphilis riffs contained within this track for a long while after it has dissipated from your speakers.  On every listen to this track I find a new part which becomes my favourite.

Following up that killer tune should be a bloody nightmare, but “Mist Floats on the Tree Line” does a fine job with its mix of atmospheric keys and blistering drums, pausing for a great groovy bridge before a big choral burst over a Blackgaze explosion. The ending guitar-line sounds like bagpipes leading off into the forest.

Yeah , I am really digging this album.  It has a glorious mix of melancholy and viciousness, like a Bloodhound with rabies.  Next up is “Circle of Stones” and I have my evil claw in the air looking to pluck crows from the sky.

With all this headbanging and hand gesturing I need a rest. Respite comes in the guise of Tir – n’Aill. It’s a skipper if I am honest – 90 seconds of cod synth that seemed out of place to these ears.  Ah well it splits the album up.

“Cermunnos” is the first track on here which offers a more stereotypical “Celtic” sound from the get go – reminds me of Waylander. This is no bad thing and I enjoy the track but it wanders a little too far into folk metal for my tastes. Good meaty riff as a backbone though.

As this album is a delve into autumn it is fitting that it closes with the instrumental “Last Leaves of Autumn” with the resonance of booming toms welcoming in the frost.

This could well be the album that I bring out annually to segue summer hardcore punk to dark wintry bleakness. Much better than going on about pumpkin spice lattes!

(8/10 Matt Mason)

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063685982666

https://blencathranp.bandcamp.com/album/ii-on-these-shores-where-nothing-now-stands