Will of the Ancients Self-Titled
Northern Storm Records February 25th, 2006
By Jason Jordan
Canada is one of the more notable regions as far as black metal is concerned, having birthed Woods of Ypres, Vanquished, Dark Forest, Wolven Ancestry, and, to get to the matter at hand, Will of the Ancients. Coming off their 2004 demo Cold Grim Times, the symphonic sextet offer up a 50-minute, speed-oriented record with Self-Titled, which should cement their position as a band to watch.
Will of the Ancients are entirely capable of holding their own in regards to musical abilities, and S-T proves none too shabby in any department except that of production. Though it fits the style and doesnt necessarily detract from the listening experience enough to warrant griping, I wouldve preferred a meatier sound overall. The artwork and CD graphics could be nicer, too. At any rate, it seems petty to complain when songs like Battle for the Sky and pirate-tribute Lords of the Sea are full of BM know-how, plus a surprising amount of melody. I hear early-day Kekal throughout much of WotAs material especially in Behind Her Eyes which is most likely due to the guitar tones and the drummers technique. The high-pitched screams are a fine complement to the instrumentation, and are a refreshing alternative to the usual black metal growls, as are the occasional clean vocal interjections reminiscent of Emperors Ihsahn (The Artifact, etc.). Keepers also include Steel Resounds and the Scandinavian-esque Curse of Thrones.
While Self-Titled is evidence of songwriting confidence propped up by excellent musicianship Will of the Ancients certainly havent peaked yet. Similar to many of their countrymen, theyre a group that is destined for greater things in the future. Nice start, though, and one thats enjoyable in the here and now.
Official Will of the Ancients Forum
Official Will of the Ancients Website
Official Northern Storm Records Website
Northern Storm Records February 25th, 2006
By Jason Jordan
Canada is one of the more notable regions as far as black metal is concerned, having birthed Woods of Ypres, Vanquished, Dark Forest, Wolven Ancestry, and, to get to the matter at hand, Will of the Ancients. Coming off their 2004 demo Cold Grim Times, the symphonic sextet offer up a 50-minute, speed-oriented record with Self-Titled, which should cement their position as a band to watch.
Will of the Ancients are entirely capable of holding their own in regards to musical abilities, and S-T proves none too shabby in any department except that of production. Though it fits the style and doesnt necessarily detract from the listening experience enough to warrant griping, I wouldve preferred a meatier sound overall. The artwork and CD graphics could be nicer, too. At any rate, it seems petty to complain when songs like Battle for the Sky and pirate-tribute Lords of the Sea are full of BM know-how, plus a surprising amount of melody. I hear early-day Kekal throughout much of WotAs material especially in Behind Her Eyes which is most likely due to the guitar tones and the drummers technique. The high-pitched screams are a fine complement to the instrumentation, and are a refreshing alternative to the usual black metal growls, as are the occasional clean vocal interjections reminiscent of Emperors Ihsahn (The Artifact, etc.). Keepers also include Steel Resounds and the Scandinavian-esque Curse of Thrones.
While Self-Titled is evidence of songwriting confidence propped up by excellent musicianship Will of the Ancients certainly havent peaked yet. Similar to many of their countrymen, theyre a group that is destined for greater things in the future. Nice start, though, and one thats enjoyable in the here and now.
Official Will of the Ancients Forum
Official Will of the Ancients Website
Official Northern Storm Records Website
