Wolves in the Throne Room from the United States are back after almost four years with their next album ‘Primordial Arcana’. The Black Metal band is known for their mix of atmospheric as well as powerful parts and are also live always a feast for the ears. So I was looking forward to listening to the new album.
The first song starts with full power: “Mountain Magick” as well as the following song “Spirit of Lightning” is an absolutely powerful start for an album, which by the way were released before the release of the album. In any case, it is worth listening to it. Also the third previously released song “Primal Chasm (Gift of Fire)” has its good parts, so that these three songs together represent the album quite well in my opinion.
From my personal feeling, the record as a whole is more atmospheric and less powerful than these three songs. That’s not to say that it’s bad, but I have to say that this album is not everyday music. This record has to be listened to in sinister peace with a glass of red wine, candlelight, and a slight portion of frankincense in the air (as it always is at their gigs).
I personally like it very much and the album got better and better with every listen and let me dive further and further into the music. But as I said, you have to be in the mood for how this album is composed. The composition itself is very, very good, full of atmospheric, arcane spirit but I sometimes miss the dirty, faster, and punchy feel of some of the old songs from the past records. Nevertheless, this album is a banger for all fans of atmospheric and mystical black metal music.
The sound of the album is also very good, although I’m not sure if I miss the previously mentioned punch because of the composition or because of the sound. The sound in general is quite clear and nothing is lost. So I do not have many to complain about, except that I am missing a bit of powerful, faster parts and dynamic when listening to the album. But to be fair, maybe I myself during the past days was not in the „correct“ mood I mentioned, which is, in any case, a bit mandatory I guess. Or it should be performed live in a small, dark venue… that creates the mood as well.
If you love atmospherical Black Metal, you will love “Primordial Arcana” by Wolves in the Throne Room. This album is not everyday music, but if you take your time and actively listens to the album, you will not be disappointed at all! Very good composition meets a fitting and fine sound. If you forget my luxurious grumbling, you will have a very good time with this record!
