Ascension, a German black metal band, released their sophomore full-length album, “The Dead of the World,” which garnered mixed reviews. The album, characterized by its orthodox Swedish-style black metal sound, presents a familiar aesthetic typical of the genre.
The album opens with “The Silence of Abel,” setting a sinister tone with mid-tempo riffing reminiscent of bands like Valkyrja and Dark Fortress. The track, although a slow burn, fails to make a significant impact as an opener. However, subsequent tracks like “Death’s Golden Temple” and “Deathless Light” showcase the band’s strengths in intense blasts and melodic leads that resonate well with fans of this style.
Despite the solid performances by all band members and the competent production values overseen by notable figures in the metal scene, Ascension struggles to carve a unique identity in a saturated genre. The album lacks the standout elements needed to distinguish it as a classic or groundbreaking work, falling somewhat short of the mark set by other prominent bands in the black metal realm.
Noteworthy is Ascension’s proficiency in crafting longer songs, with tracks like “The Dark Tomb Shines” and “Mortui Mundi” standing out for their heavy riffs and memorable melodies. The band’s ability to structure these longer compositions effectively demonstrates their potential for creating impactful music within the orthodox black metal framework.
Recorded and engineered by Michael Zech and mastered by V. Santura, known for his work with bands like Dark Fortress and Triptykon, the album boasts a clear and well-rounded sound that aligns with the stylistic norms of the genre. The production values, akin to those of established bands like Watain and Valkyrja, contribute to the album’s overall coherence and appeal to fans of this particular brand of black metal.
While “The Dead of the World” may not break new ground or earn widespread acclaim, it offers a solid addition to the discography of Ascension and caters to fans seeking a traditional black metal experience. The album, with its expected yet quality delivery, manages to find a place among the collections of enthusiasts of Swedish-style black metal.
In conclusion, Ascension’s sophomore effort may not revolutionize the genre, but it delivers a competent and enjoyable orthodox black metal experience that will likely resonate with existing fans of the band and the broader black metal community.
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