The Bottom Line
Epic black/folk metal.
Pros
- Good old American black metal.
Cons
- Songs are very long.
Description
- Released February 7, 2006 on Vendlus Records.
- Produced and mastered by Tim Green.
- Guest vocals from Jamie of Hammers Of Misfortune and Dino of Asunder.
Guide Review - Wolves In The Throne Room - Diadem Of 12 Stars
I checked the CD and saw it was four tracks long and assumed it was an EP. Imagine my surprise when the CD time remaining said 60 minutes when I popped it in. The songs range in length from 13 to 20 minutes.
The Olympia, Washington band's debut album is a strong one. They blend a traditional black metal sound with some folk influences. Each song is painstakingly constructed with multiple tempo and intensity changes. The songs ramp up the riffage with all instruments blaring and the vocals rasping, and then back it down with a lengthy instrumental break and then take off again.
Most of the vocals are the traditional black metal rasps with some death metal growls interspersed. One track has some female melodic vocals which are an interesting addition. 20 minute songs do get a bit self-indulgent, but Wolves In The Throne Room keep it to a minimum and the diversity within each track makes it palatable.
