My review of this exemplary album is long overdue, considering its November 2019 release date. Such is life...
This is far and away the best Elegiac album yet, in my opinion. Sole member Hrukjan (Zane of Sacrificial Sounds Records, Blitzgeist, Airengrav, Gormanudr, Wormskull, etc.) has really hit his stride, bringing the various elements of his previous Elegiac releases and even his other projects together beautifully. The album is raw and lo-fi without sacrificing quality or melody, with an excellent mix. Much like previous releases there's a definite Darkthrone influence, but the riffs and rhythmic momentum also reminds me heavily of Bathory tracks like "A Fine Day to Die". Put simply- it rocks, exceptionally.
The title track is my favorite, and definitely invokes the sweeping march of Bathory, and even Falkenbach, with the tempo and riffs. I love every minute of it, being pulled along in the galloping horde of the guitar and drums. It's furious and full tilt, but remains staunchly melodic throughout. There's a sort of rock and roll tempo to the whole album without it ever quite becoming black 'n' roll.
The vocals are stellar, with several styles being showcased on this album. Tracks like "Draugadrottinn" "Blood Religion", and "Lord of the Undead" use the Inquisition-style vocals displayed on Zane's Blitzgeist material, eerie ritual chants to the void. "Lord of the Undead" also reminds me of Enslaved's track "Yggdrasil", with drums and deep chants as the focus. "Sacrifice" also feels very Enslaved-ish, and portrays some excellent melodic vocal work in addition to the raging howls.
"The Dagger" and "Fade to Dust" are placed perfectly on the album, as the latter track slows down the tempo and riffs of the former, maintaining the feeling but executing it differently. The tracks feel both connected and yet individual.
The album as a whole mixes raw, unapologetic black metal in the vein of the second wave, yet also displays folk and rock influences throughout. It feels both like an old friend and a new one, hailing the tradition of the genre but placing itself as a stalwart of a new age.
You can pick up the album digitally from Elegiac's Bandcamp, and physical copies are available from the page as well. Or you can get it from Sacrificial Sounds Records via Bandcamp as well!
