Info
- Band(s): Auðn
- Label(s): Black Metal Store, Season of Mist
- Release Format(s): 12" vinyl, CD
- Release Year: 2020
- Review Date: August 11, 2021
Icelandic Atmospheric Black Metal connoisseurs Auðn return with their third full length album, titled “Vökudraumsins fangi”. If the sound emanating from this album could breathe life to a painting, I’d imagine that picture being that of an ocean.
The instrumentation throughout the album pulsates not only a cold, harsh undertone to it but at the same time, there is a certain tranquility in the arrangement of chords and tremolo picking. As a beast on its own, there seems to be influences from bands such as Alcest, Agalloch and even Enslaved where some of the progressive elements are heard (listen to the clarity of the drums).
The monument in which this album erects is attributed towards the crafting of the atmosphere for the listener, which is also the highlight of the album. It feels almost tangible, like a world that is lived in, just like viewing an ocean from afar, you feel the wind and salt upon your skin, and the serenity that the waves bring with every crash upon the shore…this is the spirit in which Audn evokes.
But at the same time, the waters that may bring forth placidity towards the soul can also conjure chaos in its very waves. This chaos is summoned by the vox (almost similar to Hoest from Taake) on this album, as emotional content is poured out on every track through every shriek and howls. At certain points, it almost feels as though the vocal delivery is a cry in pain, depressive and melancholic like in aura.
In summary, the album weaves its atmosphere seamlessly with every song evoking a different tone, there exists a juxtaposition between the coldness of the songs as well as the stillness at the same time. However, this is a positive in terms of the beauty this album portrays, where two opposing elements are infused perfectly into one soul. (Justin Joseph)
Auðn
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Season of Mist
- Country: France
- Style: Black Metal, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Thrash Metal, Other
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, Spotify, Youtube
