Ascendency, a rising force in the Danish black metal scene, unleashes their debut EP, “A Manifest of Imperious Destiny.” This offering promises a blistering exploration of the genre’s more extreme territories, blending elements of black and death metal with a touch of icy atmosphere. Does “A Manifest of Imperious Destiny” herald the arrival of a new black metal vanguard, or is it lost in the blizzard of similar-sounding releases? Let’s brave the frozen wasteland and dissect each track, song by song, to see if Ascendency ascends to greatness or succumbs to the frigid void.
A Descent into Blackened Blizzards:
- The Triumph of Draconian Night (4:22): The EP explodes with a serrated black metal riff, setting the tone for the unrelenting sonic assault to come. Simon Daniel Larsen’s vocals are a venomous rasp, perfectly capturing the genre’s signature malevolence. The drums pound relentlessly, while the guitars weave a tapestry of tremolo-picked dissonance. The lyrics, likely delivered in a guttural growl (indecipherable without translation), might establish themes of darkness, triumph of evil forces, and the dominion of night.
- Victory in All Its Ephemeral Glory (4:10): The relentless attack continues, but a touch of melody emerges. A melancholic guitar lead pierces the sonic onslaught, adding a layer of unexpected beauty to the chaotic soundscape. The song’s title hints at a dark irony, suggesting that even victories are fleeting in the grand scheme of the universe.
- Domitor Invictus (4:38): A ferocious display of technical proficiency arrives. The song features blast beats that blur into a chaotic storm, while the guitars churn out complex riffs that challenge the listener. Larsen’s vocals remain a guttural assault, but there’s a hint of desperation amidst the fury. The title, translating to “Unconquered Master,” might be a reference to a dark deity or a declaration of the band’s own unwavering commitment to their sonic assault.
- A Manifest of Imperious Destiny (5:12): The EP’s title track concludes the journey with an epic and atmospheric finale. The song features a slow and deliberate intro with a mournful horn melody, creating a sense of impending dread. The tempo eventually picks up, but the overall atmosphere remains oppressive. The lyrics, again shrouded in guttural delivery, might explore themes of absolute power and the inevitable consequences of unchecked ambition. The closing moments fade into an unsettling silence, leaving a lingering chill in the listener’s wake.
Verdict: 4 out of 5
“A Manifest of Imperious Destiny” is a promising debut from Ascendency. The band demonstrates a strong grasp of black metal’s core tenets, delivering a potent blend of aggression, atmosphere, and moments of unexpected melody. The songwriting is focused, with each track contributing to the overall feeling of a descent into a frozen abyss. Larsen’s vocals are a highlight, perfectly conveying the genre’s raw energy. The production is raw and lo-fi, perfectly capturing the intensity of the music without sacrificing clarity.
A minor point to consider: Listeners unfamiliar with the extreme subgenres of black metal might find “A Manifest of Imperious Destiny” a bit too harsh and inaccessible. The relentless blast beats, lo-fi production, and indecipherable vocals might be a barrier for some.
However, for fans of bands like Dark Funeral and early Mayhem, “A Manifest of Imperious Destiny” is a frigid and exhilarating listen. Ascendency proves themselves to be a band to watch, and their debut EP leaves us eager to see where their path of sonic devastation leads them in the future.
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