Argenthorns – The Ravening

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Avantgarde Music presents the first full-length album “The Ravening” of the symphonic black metal project Argenthorns. Draped in the cinematic luxurious style of baroque black metal, the multi-musician Lord Vrăjitor (Warmoon Lord) opens the portal to a realm of wonderment. And for the most part of this debut offering Argenthorns music echoes in the symphonic form of black metal a la Bal-Sagoth, Limbonic Art and Tartaros.

The grand orchestration of the album’s intro “Hänen Salissaan Kastoimme Unenhoureet Vereen” serves as a cinematic theme for the album, showing the sonic vision of the composer who conjures up wonderful phantasmagoric images of a haunting castle overshadowed by the bleak darkness. The synth instrument is the focal point of the music providing a theatrical experience and creating ominous passages.

The Scandinavian-inspired compositions reflect the combination of the tremolo-picked riffs and grim snarling vocals backed by the otherworldly opulence of the synthesizer on the following track “The Manor of the Demon Duke”. The drums are played in a furious style with blast beats and a cinematic atmosphere taking you back to the unforgettable age of 90s black metal. Sinister rasps embody the grim atmosphere as in the fairy tales and guitars bordering the swirling opus with the raw black metal riffs.

The guitars inking multicolored hues of spectral light create fantastic orchestral pieces with the epic synth. Argenthorns aptly captures the flamboyance of the Norwegian black metal artistry, and while having a copious amount of synth, the sole composer Lord Vrăjitor managed to intertwine vivid melodies by projecting the synth as a ghostly backdrop.

In The Hoary Shadows of the Blighted Gardens” offers furious drumming tempos juxtaposed with sharp tremolos as you will be awed by the grandeur of the swirling symphonies, bringing fresh ideas in each of the six tracks of the album. There are some moments where the synth reminds of the German symphonic black metal band Obsidian Gate, the epic atmosphere of the synth gives the listener a feeling of awe and majesty. Still, the drums play an integral role in flooding the music with the grandeur of the composition, the rapid drums pounding, and the haunting snarls perfectly fit the spectral theme of the album.

The tremolo picked-riffs intersect with imaginative synth and since most of the tempos are played at a blistering pace the riffing style adds to the glorious progression. “I Incursion II A Procession of Spectres” gorgeously expands on the ghostly themes, vast imagination, and sheer boldness of exhibiting an ornate cosmic baroque spirit of symphonic black metal. The drums and guitars are propelled into fast-paced tempos where the rhythm guitars add plenty of textures to the framework. Undoubtedly the composer reveals the faculty of his beautiful musical creation in such a spellbinding way fittingly bombastic and symphonic and often mesmerizing the aforementioned track showcases haunting synth passages that become catchy especially when the slow guttural vocals surface the melody.

Likewise, “Malefic Chronicle” dramatically recaptures the magic of the sweeping orchestra with the thundering beats of the drums and the guitars offering a blasting barrage. The track fuses elements of power metal with explosive guitar solos and forceful dynamics, and at the end of this epic track, the music becomes encased in well-fired triumphant riffs. The drumming provides a rumbling sound adding well-placed blast beats and slow rhythmic beats to the track “Wings of Psychomachia”. The powerful drum fills add a thick layer, and the vocals have a constant rasping sounding like a grim malefic creature imbuing a dark and sinister fieriness. But they really show the unique way how Argenthorns can be when tackling the orchestral and ravenous symphonic black metal.

The keyboards play an important part in creating an ornate layered baroque aura, therefore drawing nostalgic riffs that come with comparison to the likes of Limbonic Art, Abigor, and Bal-Sagoth. “The Grand Hallowing of the Tyrant” evokes these sonic sensibilities the guitar work is bolstered by galloping riffs that strike the listener with some blackened thrash metal riffs. And in the seven minutes the majesty of the synth maintains its triumphant aura. The closure “Elpyminen” is a beautiful orchestral piece that utterly feels dark and cinematic in every sense, from the haunting atmosphere of the awe-inspiring instruments incorporating a variety of theatrical elements.

REVIEW SCORE

  • Music / Songwriting 8/10
  • Vocals / Lyrics 9/10
  • Mix / Production 9/10
  • Artwork & Packaging 9/10
  • Originality 9/10
8.8

“The Ravening” is one of the finest albums in symphonic black metal in recent memory. This is an amazing album that makes it memorable and unique due to its lofty synth arrangements. Highly recommended!

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