Athenaeum Of Sin Reviews

As we dive into the review, I’m breaking away from my usual format to focus on the unique essence of each composition. I’ve taken this approach with a few artists and bands in the past. The reason for this shift lies in the distinctiveness of every track on Galic Hammer’s Echoes Of Ancestral Battles. Each song unfolds its narrative, weaving together to create a larger tapestry. These lyrical themes are steeped in epic tales and historical contexts, delving into ancient conflicts, mythology, and the splendour of bygone civilizations. They explore heroism and the eternal struggle, all of which beautifully align with the band’s intense and atmospheric black metal sound, ensuring a strong and unified thematic presence throughout their work.

The moment the listener hits the play button, they are greeted by the enchanting sounds of Ceremony (In The Heart Of Sacred Wood). This track immerses the listener in a world where nature’s whispers intertwine with ethereal chants, creating a mystical ambiance. The clean guitar melodies and atmospheric synths weave together seamlessly, crafting a serene soundscape. As the piece draws to a close, it erupts into a brief yet intense burst of instrumental and vocal energy, seamlessly transitioning into the next track, Winter Moon.

As the listener embarks on their journey, transitioning from the opening track to the second piece, Winter Moon, (this depends on the listener). It evokes a sense of tribute to Mayhem, particularly their iconic 1994 album De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas and its haunting track Freezing Moon. Katruix beautifully captures the spirit of Freezing Moon through the composition of Winter Moon. Katurix’s unique blend of vocals, instrumentation, and atmospheric depth creates a captivating experience that stands apart, avoiding mere imitation.
 
The third track, In The Depths Of Phurunargain, plunges into a more aggressive and classic black metal sound, characterized by rapid tempos and an atmospheric keyboard that enriches the overall experience. The ferocious vocals cut through the lyrics with a raw intensity. The fourth track, Taïga, embraces a refined yet intricate style, weaving together acoustic elements and violin melodies. The addition of traditional leather drums and ethereal synths creates an enchanting atmosphere that envelops the entire composition. The vocals, delivered with a deliberate slowness, evoke the essence of an ancient ritual, summoning the spirits of yore from the depths of time.

Gallic Hammer presents an impressive EP that greets listeners with a fruit of art, crafted soundscape, where every note shines with clarity and precision. Echoes Of Ancestral Battle showcases the devilmanship prowess, offering robust compositions and intricate arrangements that set each track apart. The music is rich with powerful riffs intertwined with captivating melodies and atmospheric depth. The drumming serves as a perfect backdrop, enhancing the intensity of the riffs and the haunting melodies, while the synthesizers add an ethereal layer that elevates the overall sound. Katurix’s vocals are a standout, delivering traditional black metal growls alongside epic, commanding tones.

In summary, Gallic Hammer and his EP Echoes of Ancestral Battles is essential listening for fans of the Epic/Viking style reminiscent of Bathory and the early works of Immortal and Mayhem. As listeners immerse themselves in the music, they will discover that each of the five tracks offers a unique blend of sound, atmosphere, and mood. The album captures the spirit of Traditional and Old-school black metal, infused with melodic, symphonic, atmospheric and epic/Viking elements.