Athenaeum Of Sin Reviews

As soon as the listener presses the play button, the opening song, Howling For Glory, welcomes the listener with warm melodic riffs, the sound of bones and spell casting, and chanting whippers. It follows suit with raw, heavy, aggressive instrumental and vocal serge, setting the stage for the album’s exploration of the concept of Skaalp.

As one embarks on their ‘Sharman journey’, a symbolic exploration of the album’s themes and sounds. The second piece, The Frozen Sun Ceremony, and the remaining five pieces, where Wounded Funeral, drag the listener into a world of Indigenous atmospheres and shamanic extreme metal.
As I delve into Wounded Funeral, I’m struck by its unique fusion of atmospheric black Metal from the United States, depressive black metal, and Norwegian black metal, all interwoven with shamanic and dark legends of the First Nations. This distinctive blend is sure to pique the interest of any black metal enthusiast.

The ‘dark legends of the First Nations’ refer to a rich and diverse collection of oral traditions, myths, and stories passed down through generations among the indigenous peoples of North America. These legends often explore themes related to creation, nature, spirits, heroes, and cosmic forces. For example, the typical emblem of the project revolves around the world of the great Wendigo, Skinwalkers, and The Thunderbird. These legends bridge the spiritual and natural worlds, conveying wisdom, warnings, and cultural values. They continue to inspire art, literature, and contemporary storytelling, preserving the rich heritage of First Nations peoples.

The sound quality for the recording is excellent and done in a modern, professional manner. The composition within the music and instrumentation are raw and unpleased, embodying the atmospheric and depressive elements that fans of this genre appreciate. Skaalp is a well-put-together and written release that would undoubtedly please atmospheric and depressive black metal fans, particularly those interested in exploring music with shamanic and Indigenous influences.

The instrumentation and devilmanship are not just well composed; they are solid and bleak, resonating with intense tones and an atmosphere that immerses you in the music. The guitar work is heavy and atmospheric, with moments of melodic sections, sweeping keys, and sorrowful flues. The drums drive the music with blasting drum work and blast beats.

The vocals, comprising whining, ferocious snarls, and screams, add a layer of intensity to the music. Every aspect of the music is dark, magical, and mystical, pulsating with the spirit of nations’ peoples, creating a vivid and captivating musical experience for the listener.

Wounded Funeral is the fruit of an art release that is more than black metal or extreme; this is something else, something of its own. This would satisfy fans of Wolves Of The Throne Room, Shining, Panzerfaust, Hate Forest, and Watain, as it shares similar atmospheric and depressive elements while also offering a unique blend of shamanic and indigenous influences.