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| #FOR FANS OF: Atmospheric Black Metal |
Ancient Guard is a new project coming from Australia, led by the musician known as Nightwolf. From his various projects, Runespell is, by far, the most well-known. The aforementioned project has a very solid discography with five very interesting albums firmly rooted in the black metal genre. Based on this, it was interesting to see what he can offer with his new creation, which has caught the attention of the respected Iron Bonehead Productions, which is always something remarkable.
With Ancient Guard, Nightwolf doesn’t stray too far from the realms explored with Runespell, but this project is definitely a different monster. Ancient Guard clearly sounds more atmospheric in this EP debut entitled 'Nightfall Enthroned'. This initial effort consists of four pieces, three songs clocking in around 7 and 11 minutes, and a short piece that serves as an outro. You always want more, but these three compositions have more than enough to please the fans of the subgenre. Nightwolf leaves no room for doubt with the eleven-minute first track entitled "Dominion of Primordial Darkness". The title is cool and very fitting for the genre he explores here. This is a very interesting composition with strong pace changes and a great contrast between the furious and more blackish sections and the strongly atmospheric sections that dominate. The created ambiance sounds captivating and also a bit melancholic thanks to hypnotic guitar work. The mid-tempo sections of this track are particularly inspired and enjoyable. Ancient Guard’s mastermind seems to be comfortable with the most atmospheric and mid-paced compositions, as he masterfully shows in the song "Sepulchral Damnation", with a simple yet totally addictive melody that mesmerizes the listener. "A Moonscape Abyss" sounds more powerful in contrast, with a more energetic pace, although nothing that contrasts abruptly from the previous compositions. The atmospheric keys are the base, where the tasteful guitar work and Nightwolf’s raspy vocals reign. The riffing is again excellent and creates melodies that will satisfy fans of the genre for sure.
Debuting with an EP, especially if it is good, leaves you wanting more, but 'Nightfall Enthroned' is undoubtedly a very solid first step in the career of Ancient Guard. The elements found here, make this project interesting in the atmospheric black metal genre, and I hope that, sooner or later, a full-length album will come to confirm the potential of Nightfall's new endeavor. (Alain González Artola)
With Ancient Guard, Nightwolf doesn’t stray too far from the realms explored with Runespell, but this project is definitely a different monster. Ancient Guard clearly sounds more atmospheric in this EP debut entitled 'Nightfall Enthroned'. This initial effort consists of four pieces, three songs clocking in around 7 and 11 minutes, and a short piece that serves as an outro. You always want more, but these three compositions have more than enough to please the fans of the subgenre. Nightwolf leaves no room for doubt with the eleven-minute first track entitled "Dominion of Primordial Darkness". The title is cool and very fitting for the genre he explores here. This is a very interesting composition with strong pace changes and a great contrast between the furious and more blackish sections and the strongly atmospheric sections that dominate. The created ambiance sounds captivating and also a bit melancholic thanks to hypnotic guitar work. The mid-tempo sections of this track are particularly inspired and enjoyable. Ancient Guard’s mastermind seems to be comfortable with the most atmospheric and mid-paced compositions, as he masterfully shows in the song "Sepulchral Damnation", with a simple yet totally addictive melody that mesmerizes the listener. "A Moonscape Abyss" sounds more powerful in contrast, with a more energetic pace, although nothing that contrasts abruptly from the previous compositions. The atmospheric keys are the base, where the tasteful guitar work and Nightwolf’s raspy vocals reign. The riffing is again excellent and creates melodies that will satisfy fans of the genre for sure.
Debuting with an EP, especially if it is good, leaves you wanting more, but 'Nightfall Enthroned' is undoubtedly a very solid first step in the career of Ancient Guard. The elements found here, make this project interesting in the atmospheric black metal genre, and I hope that, sooner or later, a full-length album will come to confirm the potential of Nightfall's new endeavor. (Alain González Artola)
(Iron Bonehead Productions - 2024)
Score: 82
https://ironboneheadproductions.bandcamp.com/album/ancient-guard-nightfall-enthroned
Score: 82
https://ironboneheadproductions.bandcamp.com/album/ancient-guard-nightfall-enthroned