Last week, we brought you the first part of Chris Naughton’s landscape themed playlist. While his first six picks covered some well traveled territory–Drudkh, Bathory and Ulver to name a few–the rest dive a little deeper underground. According to Winterfylleth‘s guitarist/vocalist, however, all “capture the very essence of their environment and their history through the music they make and the imagery they portray.” If you haven’t already, pre-order a copy of his band’s fantastic fourth LP, The Divination of Antiquity, here (out Tuesday).
https://youtu.be/kEXUu5YHS4s
Saor’s “Roots” (from 2013’s Roots)
Our friend Andy Marshall (formally of Falloch) stepped out on his own, initially as Arsaidh but then rebranded himself as Saor and produced a fantastic debut album in Roots (which he’s recently followed up on new album Aura). I chose the title track because it shows a great link between the vast expansive riffs he writes but also the more delicate and inherently Scottish elements he puts into the music as well. If you’ve not heard this band before I encourage you to dig a little deeper.
Cnoc An Tursa’s “Winter – A Dirge” (from 2013’s The Giants Of Auld)
Sort of like a black metal Iron Maiden, our other Scottish pals in Cnoc An Tursa (which translates into modern English as “Hill of Sorrow”) are real unsung heroes of the UK metal fraternity in my opinion. Their music invokes strong feelings of ancient Alba as well as incorporating traditional Scottish melodies and poetry into metal music. I know what you’re thinking, this could be cheesy, but it actually sits on the right side of the line in a powerful and emotive way in the context of their songs. The track I have chosen is from their spirited and passionate debut album. Let’s hope it’s not long ’til they follow it up.
Wodensthrone’s “The Name Of The Wind” (from 2012’s Curse)
It wouldn’t be right to do this kind of playlist without mentioning our brothers in arms, Wodensthrone. We came out around the same time and forged a close link between our bands in that we are like minded souls who were singing about the same types of issues. They have released two albums to date and have really come into their own in helping to define what British black metal sounds like and should be. The song I have chosen is one of their slower, more expansive moments which I love, but don’t let that fool you–they are a force to be reckoned with. Go check out “Black Moss” or “Those That Crush the Roots of Blood” if you don’t believe me. Essential stuff!
Falloch’s “We Are Gathering Dust” (from 2011’s Where Distant Spirits Remain)
Another great bunch of guys who are also from Scotland. What is it about Scotland and bands singing about nature, the environment and their surroundings? Anyone would think they have beautiful highland landscapes all around them, not too far from the cities! Falloch is a fantastic band and walk a fine line between black metal and post rock in many ways, although definitely make a sound all of their own. The track I have chosen shows this unusual but powerful link between genres in action and is what drew me to these guys in the first place. They have recently finished a new album called This Island, Our Funeral, which is out soon and well worth hearing.
Ashes’ “Stone Spiral” (from 2014’s Hrēow)
If we are talking about unsung heroes from the British scene, Ashes has to be the most unsung. Still remaining years later in the realms of underground obscurity, I’m sure many a British band would call him (as it’s just one guy, D. Lumsden) an influence to some degree. Residing more towards the depressive, suicidal end of black metal these days, Ashes has returned with an introspective new album on Hrēow to remind us all he’s never gone away and remains relevant in 2014. If you’re into the more “necro” end of black metal, this is the one for you.
From The Bogs Of Aughiska’s “Aos Si” (from 2010’s From The Bogs Of Aughiska)
The final track is from a great Irish band, From The Bogs Of Aughiska. I was lucky enough to have the chance to release this album on my own Lone Vigil imprint a few years ago and they’ve gone from strength to strength ever since, releasing a second album to great critical success last year. Somewhere between dark ambient and black metal, they have a great and expansive sound. Also the link between that and their local and national history on this song is great. Interviewing old Irish folks about banshees and local history then setting that to synth driven dark ambient is an odd prospect but a work of genius. I think you’ll agree!
*Photo by Ester Segarra
**Order a copy of Winterfylleth’s The Divination of Antiquity here.
***For past Decibrity entries, click here
