Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 8/7/2014
Label: Artemisia
Records
Celestite,
Tape/LP/CD/DD track listing:
1). Turning
Ever Towards the Sun 11:24
2). Initiation
at Neudog Alm 05:58
3). Bridge of Leaves
4). Celestite
Mirror 14:32
5). Sleeping
Golden Storm 09:02
The
Band:
Nathan Weaver
| Guitars, Synth
Aaron Weaver |
Guitars, Synth
Review:
Wolves
in the Throne Room (WITTR) have been honing their craft for well over a decade.
Celestite is their fifth full length album release and sees the band veering
into far more progressive territory than before with an instrumental companion
piece to their previous album; Celestial Lineage. Comprising five tracks, two
of which run to over ten minutes, the spacey cover of the album echoes the
traits of the album.
A
very ambient opening on ‘Turning Ever Towards The Sun’ shimmers delicately for
the opening as it expands before a left turn sees the ambience hit a darker
note. Brass led tones create an awkward soundscape, as the guitars create a
minimal sound reminiscent of some of Ulver’s material on Messe. The opening is
almost in two parts as it pulses and pulsates for the second half whilst the
unnerving drone continues. Atom Heart Mother Pink Floyd springs to mind as the
vastly cinematic and track never loses your attention.
The
opening of the album, although dark in places, doesn’t allow you to decide
where you are. Second track, ‘Initiation at Neudog Alm’, is far more sinister
and menacing as the guitar drone is a lot more intense. The guitars spiral
downwards using a definite Stephen O’Malley influence. ‘Bridge of Leaves
This
mood segues a little into the next epic composition; ‘Celestite Mirror’, this
is synth heavy, and as the track moves through it various peaks and troughs,
there is a synthesised melody that moves away from the main body of the track.
More melody ensues with an almost flute like sound adding more colour to the
constantly evolving tableau of sounds. The ending strains of the track see the
melodies paired with more droning guitars to take you back to that extremely
unnerving place from earlier in the journey. ‘Sleeping Golden Storm’ closes the
album with layer upon layer of synthesised strings building towards another
epic sounding ode to the vast.
Throughout
the album, the journey is epic. Some parts are more exciting than others as
some sections get bogged down in their own pomp. However, this album from a
band that like to push boundaries is a very good listen. It is lengthy and
certainly challenging, but that is certainly enough for you to give it a go. If
you are a fan of Shabda, Sunn O))), Ulver or the earlier Pink Floyd material
around Saucerful of Secrets and Atom Heart Mother, this is well worth an hour
of your time. Get the headphones on and disappear to a different world.
Words by: Dom Walsh
You
can pick up a copy here
For
more information:
