February 26, 2021 — Much like their genre compatriots Winterfylleth and Wodensthrone, Wolvencrown have managed to conjure the very scent and texture of the deep and damp woods through their craft. This simultaneously imposing and awestriking aural environment continues to be at the forefront of Wolvencrown’s sound in their new EP: A Shadow of What Once Was.
During the past six years, Wolvencrown has honed an atmospheric black metal sound. Capturing the ambiance of dark foreboding wilds beneath harsh, icy screams and sharp instrumentals. On this three-track EP, the Nottingham-based 5-piece takes a more measured, but still daunting tack. Allowing both parts of the EP’s title track to breathe and evoke eerie open spaces. All the while conveying the decaying majesty of the world around us.
“As an enticing capsule of Wolvencrown’s sonic growth, this three-track EP is incredibly effective in its ability to set a scene and tone. The rhythmic narrative flow of “A Shadow of What Once Was” draws you in. Captivating you with its horror before desolation sets in like falling ashes.”
In their first new material since the 2019 album “Of Bark and Ash”, Wolvencrown continues to channel themes of a waning natural world, at times sounding funereal. Beginning with an inherent sense of melancholy and threat on the title track “A Shadow of What Once Was pt. 1”, increasingly intense guitars rise, surging forcefully into “pt. 2”. Elevated by the theatricality of the keys into a sweeping spectacle. This transitions seamlessly into the somber dungeon synth of “Coming to an End”. Potent and mournful, “Coming to an End”, delivers an ambient close to the release. Punctuated by moments of ethereal synth and slow, marching, bass drum beats.
This three-track package is beautifully accompanied by the art of Joan Llopis Domenech. A grim print of a stalking werewolf amid a circle of dead woodland creatures. Echoed by a striking black and white music video for “A Shadow of What Once Was pt. 1”, showing the all-consuming wave of pollution and destruction that has been wreaked upon the environment.
Verdict
As an enticing capsule of Wolvencrown’s sonic growth, this three-track EP is incredibly effective in its ability to set a scene and tone. The rhythmic narrative flow of A Shadow of What Once Was draws you in. Captivating with its horror before desolation sets in like falling ashes. On “Coming to an End”, an experience so sharp and short you’ll feel both tantalized and traumatized.
Wolvencrown — A Shadow of What Once Was is available from February 26 on CD digipak and cassette through Avantgarde Music/Clobber Records. It can be streamed now on Bandcamp.
