Wolves In The Throne Room - Two Hunters (Southern Lord)
Bleak and black metal is the order of
the day regarding Olympia, WA's Wolves in the Throne Room. From the
outset, WITTR have a rather different ideology to your standard black
metal band. The band explore the extremity of true devotion to a
minimalist and environmentally sound lifestyle. This is a stark
contrast to the nihilistic and misanthropic values of many BM bands,
however the essence of true commitment whether it be to abstinence
orientated or hate-fuelled paradigms is one thing WITTR have in
common with the majority.
Two Hunters, the band's 2007
release on the prolific Southern Lord label is less menacing and more
mournful and reflective than the previous album, Diadem of 12
Stars. The essence of their naturalistic approach is encapsulated
well with the solemn ebb and flow of tremolo riffing and delicately
adorned with a constant low hiss that adds a dreamlike, eldritch
quality to the music. This is not your average shitty demo black
metal sound that resembles an angry bee buzzing around in a metal
dustbin, this is of a higher order.
After the forlorn intro 'Dea Artio', 'Vastness and Sorrow' has an air of hope after five minutes of
despondency. Accompanied by a change of pace, this gives the track
real intent and urgency. It may weigh in at over 12 minutes but each
riff and construct is perfectly timed to deter tediousness.
As with 2006’s Diadem of 12 Stars,
the female vocals included interfere with rather than elate the
songs. The third track of four is 'Cleansing,' a moment of
clarity before another long monologue in the form of 18 minute epic
'I Will Lay Down My Bones Among The Rocks And Roots'. The former
is divided into two halves with the first containing mesmerising
female vocals, which weaken the song after a while, however not as
much as the songs on the 2006 album.
WITTR walk a well trodden path that
originates from the works of Burzum and Darkthrone in the early 90's.
It may seem a strain to create anything of significance or relevance
in this vein as it has been well helmed by other bands since the
forefathers, such as Forgotten Tomb, Shining, Abyssic Hate and
Xasthur. In spite of this WITTR have created a moving and powerful
opus that is familiar in one sense but has its own distinct aura
making Two Hunters a peculiar and hypnotic entity. Highly
recommended.
Related links:
www.wolvesinthethroneroom.com
Originally posted on Blistering.com
