~
Gone are the stars and the morning light
Gone is the path so free
Lost are their hearts and their hopes to night
The years bringing misery
~
Greetings, weary travellers. As we all know, the well of Tolkien inspired black metal never seems to run dry – which, of course, does not mean all that is drawn from it is refreshing. When I originally discovered the epic black metal strains of enigmatic UK triumvirate FIRIENHOLT (named after Firien Wood, an oak forest below Halifirien) back in Bandcamp Misanthropy Vol. 26, my opening line was “this is TRASH i AM sO AngRY WHY DO PEOPLE COPY CALADQN BRood ARGH”. I was joking, of course – well, not about the Caladan Brood bit – the magic that Firienholt conjured was definitely of the palette cleansing variety, a delight for the taste buds. Happily then, after continuing that streak over a tantalising tease of two more all-too-brief EPs, they have now finally blessed us with a truly wondrous full-length album – By The Waters Of Awakening.
Those three prior Firienholt EPs all followed a theme: one track glorious, immersive epic black metal and a second of pure dungeon synth. This debut album obviously does away with that format (although those previous EPs all compiled end to end would make a fantastic album in themselves, if anyone at the labels just happen to be reading this) to the point where there are no pure synth tracks at all – just complete and total EPIC BLACK METAL FEELINGS. Those feelings are given more depth across an album-length exploration of the Firienholt sound, too. My personal favourite track ‘Ruminations By Starlight’ is positively menacing at times; others are utterly morose, more still pensive and/or contemplative. And of course, there are the yearning, sweeping triumphs – we are talking Caladan Brood worship, after all.
But Caladan Brood isn’t the only artist paid homage to, of course. Genre kings Summoning, Eldamar, Keys Of Orthanc and even the early work of our own Dwarrowdelf all get a look in, but the mysterious trio of Caradhras (vocals, keys – is the name a hint that Elffor, noted fan of epic black metal, is somehow involved?), Silvertine (guitars, programming) and Fanuidhol (bass, vocals, keys) do more than enough to make these five songs their own as the stirring riffs surge beneath soul-searing keys, huge choruses and vocals both clean and harsh. The writing is magnificent; exactly what you want to hear and, somewhat remarkably, only gets stronger as the album moves through. Instead of fatigue, the listener only becomes more engaged – the final two tracks (including the literally epic thirteen minute closer ‘The Whispering Shadow’) are the best on the album.
That said, there are a few potential pitfalls. To someone who isn’t into this sort of thing the synths might be a little cheesy (or maybe even for those who are super into it as well – it isn’t quite as lush as the Brood). The tempo may drag a tad. The structures and riffs might sound a touch repetitive at times – a bit “Lord Of The Same Chords”, if you will. For everyone else however, the melodies are gloriously evocative and the slowly unfolding songs will present a wondrous escape from reality – building an entrancing, almost hypnotic album that only draws you in further with each passing minute, until you’re right there treading the soil of middle earth with them.
Releasing on cassette via our friends at Fólkvangr Records and on CD via Naturmacht Productions (with LP possibly coming in 2022), the full album will be streaming HERE in mere hours time – I strongly recommend you tune in. Back in the Bandcamp Misanthropy coverage of that very first EP, my closing words were that it “might be the first hint of Firienholt rising up to take the epic black metal crown”… on the strength of this debut, I can comfortably say without a shadow of doubt that they’re poised to sit on the throne with the greats.
Hail Firienholt, long may they reign.
RATING: 4.1 / 5
By The Waters Of Awakening releases June 11th via Naturmacht Productions and Fólkvangr Records.
Purchase By The Waters Of Awakening digitally from the Firienholt Bandcamp HERE, digitally and on CD from the Naturmacht Bandcamp HERE, or on cassette from the Fólkvangr webstore HERE.
Support FIRIENHOLT:
~
Like Black Metal Daily on Facebook for more cult sounds and tonal blasphemy.
Email: blackmetaldaily@outlook.com
Black Metal Daily 