Self Released 2014
1. Ravenous
and Cavernous 2. Eternal Forest Waltz 3. Beneath the Crooked Oak
The north of
England is synonymous with many things. Old mining villages, salt of the earth
people and a no nonsense attitude. Also it is the birthplace of true black
metal (Ahem, Venom anyone?) and over the last three decades the north has
produced some classic and often under-rated bands. Think of the likes of A
Forest of Stars, Old Corpse Road, White Medal and the likes. County Durham now
has a new name to add to the list with one man outfit Arcane North and its
debut EP "Enter the Arcane North", a three track opening offering of
atmospheric black metal. William, the man behind Arcane North draws inspiration
from his surroundings and the world brought to life in his own dreams, from
supreme bleakness to dazzling greenery, all of this is filtered into his work
which opens with "Ravenous and Cavernous" and sees this lengthy and
thought provoking project begin slowly with a cloying dark ambiance created
through cold, methodical riffs, strangled vocal work and impressive atmospheric
synth shrouded the sturdy drumming and bass display! As things progress the chugging
pace continues and more emphasis is out into the swirling atmospheres and
undertones that make this work come alive! Not only that but the vocal display
is a blend of passion, angst, fury and pain that bleeds into the music
superbly. "Eternal Forest Waltz" is exactly what you'd hope for.
Thoroughly nocturnal vibes, owls hooting and a slow meander through the trees
in the moonlight whilst depressive chant like music fills your mind and expands
your understanding and awareness of what’s around you, as does finale track
"Beneath the Crooked Oak" which offers up more sounds of nature and
wildlife whilst the slow rhythmic drum beats leads ritualistically into another
slow, ponderous track filled with mysterious chant like vocals and more intensive
grinding riffs and haunting atmospherics!
Arcane North then add majestically to the North’s black metal heritage
and look likely to add even more to it in coming years!
8 Out Of 10 - Luke Hayhurst
Band Page: Here
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