Wolves in the Throne Room - Celestial LineageBand Origin: Olympia, Washington, USA
Genre: Black Metal
Label: Southern Lord
Running Time: 49 minutes
Release Date: September 13, 2011
Best Part: Thuja Magus Imperium whisks you into this record.
Favorite Tracks: Subterranean Initiation, Astral Blood, and Thuja Magus Imperium
Grade: Fucking Metal - Err, I mean 5
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Celestial Lineage in 20 words or less:
A Satan-free, vintage feeling, all organic black metal experience with extra (tremolo) pickles.
The Band:
Brothers Nathan and Aaron Weaver comprise the American black metal duo Wolves in the Throne Room. The duo are an interesting pair of musicians to say the least. There's a certain mythos to the pair, seeing as how they live a rural lifestyle - a farm type stronghold, organic vegetables, the whole nine yards. In their music, which is influenced by traditional black metal, embraces all the tell-tale signs of the genre but none of its associated ideology and staples. No paint, no pseudonyms, etc., instead they try to fuse the energy of the natural landscapes that surround them, into their music - something which fits naturally well with black metal, as it has sort of mystical feel. The other eccentric, and very interesting part of WITTR is the fact that they refuse to use modern recording techniques and equipment, instead opting for vintage amps and analog synthesizers which adds to the energy and raw traditional black metal vibe the band produces. And to top it off, this is a band that considers themselves as a live band, which for the genre is a rarity.
Wolves in the Throne Room's previous releases include: Diadem of 12 Stars (2006), 2007: Two Hunters (2007), and Black Cascade (2009)
Jay's Take on Celestial Lineage:
Wolves in the Throne Room play black metal on their own terms, while they may not keep the token elements that most will associate to the genre, they do keep all of the musical elements that make black metal what it is. Celestial Lineage continues this tradition, and WITTR's tradition of taking a long-form approach, creating sweeping arrangements, rather than your traditional songs. Nathan Weaver, guitarist and vocalist for WITTR nails the traditional black metal shrieks and the inter-mingling tremolo picked guitar sections. Aaron Weaver, provides the percussion, bass and synths, creating the atmospheric background of their music, which is elegant in its darkness and ambiance. Jessika Kenney who provided clean vocals on Two Hunters, returns for an encore performance, adding to the ambiance of the intro track Thuja Magus Imperium, and on Woodland Cathedral. Did I mention this band is a bit eccentric? How about using only analog synths? Totally Fucking Metal. Just another element that adds to that classic, traditional vibe that these guys output. WITTR's arrangements vary on average between 6 to 11 minutes long, and cover a wide range of artistic style. Subtle dark ambiance, fast harsh dissonance, and the sound and energy of their lives - crackling fires, the wind blowing in the background - again, Fucking Metal. These two are about as traditional of a black metal band - despite not being a traditional black metal band - that you'll encounter outside of Europe. Check them out if you enjoy black metal, you will not be disappointed.
Sample of the Day:
- J
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