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| #FOR FANS OF: Atmospheric Black |
The Canadian project Finnr’s Cane is definitely an original one. Firstly, although its core influence is atmospheric black metal, this band transcends boundaries between genres by incorporating influences from doom, folk, and post-metal, achieving a unique result. Furthermore, there is no proper bass guitar; instead, they use a cello and keys to create a distinctive and mournful layer that helps to shape this project’s sound.
With the aforementioned ingredients, Finnr’s Cane has released some interesting albums, taking its time to release each of them. This is no exception with the self-titled new opus, which sees the light of day seven years after their previous effort entitled 'Elegy.' The new album goes further in the distinguishable mixture of influences that has defined Finnr’s Cane’s career. It is almost impossible to limit them to a single genre, and this self-titled album won’t make things easier. An increasingly distant atmospheric black metal influence is enriched with many doom metal influences and folk touches. The vocals are also one of the most distinctive elements of this album; with a few exceptions where they sound more aggressive, they are generally clean and mournful, usually in the form of a plaintive chorus or an individual voice. I personally like this use as an occasional resource, as it enhances the sad feeling, but I would incorporate more aggressive vocals as a contrast to the melodies created by the instruments. Pace-wise, the album focuses on mid and slow tempo sections, although variety is also a key element, and faster sections are included throughout the different compositions. The cello and keys form the core sound of this album, and they are indispensable. The most memorable melodies are created by these instruments, as they help to forge the melancholic atmosphere that envelops the entire effort. The second track, "Twilight Glow," is a fine example of saddening yet beautiful melodies.
"The Everwinter Grey" is one of my favorite tracks, with the cello opening the piece with a truly mournful melody. The composition has an even stronger atmospheric touch and varied structure, where typically slow doom metal sections are combined with fast ones, while always maintaining a gloomy feeling. The album closer, "Harvest," is another strong moment on this album. It contains some beautiful melodies and is probably one of the most melancholic tracks, with the cello playing a major role alongside these post-folk influences.
'Finnr’s Cane' is definitely a very personal album and one that will satisfy the appetite for a mixture of genres where melancholy and introspection reign. I personally would prefer a different approach to the vocals, but I always appreciate the effort to create something true to the artist’s musical vision. Another positive aspect, at least in my case, is that the album improves with further listens, which is always a good conclusion. (Alain González Artola)
With the aforementioned ingredients, Finnr’s Cane has released some interesting albums, taking its time to release each of them. This is no exception with the self-titled new opus, which sees the light of day seven years after their previous effort entitled 'Elegy.' The new album goes further in the distinguishable mixture of influences that has defined Finnr’s Cane’s career. It is almost impossible to limit them to a single genre, and this self-titled album won’t make things easier. An increasingly distant atmospheric black metal influence is enriched with many doom metal influences and folk touches. The vocals are also one of the most distinctive elements of this album; with a few exceptions where they sound more aggressive, they are generally clean and mournful, usually in the form of a plaintive chorus or an individual voice. I personally like this use as an occasional resource, as it enhances the sad feeling, but I would incorporate more aggressive vocals as a contrast to the melodies created by the instruments. Pace-wise, the album focuses on mid and slow tempo sections, although variety is also a key element, and faster sections are included throughout the different compositions. The cello and keys form the core sound of this album, and they are indispensable. The most memorable melodies are created by these instruments, as they help to forge the melancholic atmosphere that envelops the entire effort. The second track, "Twilight Glow," is a fine example of saddening yet beautiful melodies.
"The Everwinter Grey" is one of my favorite tracks, with the cello opening the piece with a truly mournful melody. The composition has an even stronger atmospheric touch and varied structure, where typically slow doom metal sections are combined with fast ones, while always maintaining a gloomy feeling. The album closer, "Harvest," is another strong moment on this album. It contains some beautiful melodies and is probably one of the most melancholic tracks, with the cello playing a major role alongside these post-folk influences.
'Finnr’s Cane' is definitely a very personal album and one that will satisfy the appetite for a mixture of genres where melancholy and introspection reign. I personally would prefer a different approach to the vocals, but I always appreciate the effort to create something true to the artist’s musical vision. Another positive aspect, at least in my case, is that the album improves with further listens, which is always a good conclusion. (Alain González Artola)
(Nordvis Produktion - 2025)
Score: 75
https://finnrs-cane.bandcamp.com/album/finnrs-cane
Score: 75
https://finnrs-cane.bandcamp.com/album/finnrs-cane