After seven years since Embrace Of The Godless Aeon, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but they actually came through. This feels like proper Hecate Enthroned again. That old cold, symphonic black metal atmosphere is back, and it hits way better than I thought it would.
The keyboards are the star for me. Pete White really went off on this record. They’re not just sitting in the background – they carry the songs and give everything that melancholic, majestic feeling the band had in their best days. When they swell up during the slower parts it actually gives me chills.
“Spirits Stir Within Our Ancestors Tombs” is a hell of an opener. Starts strong and just keeps building. Joe Stamps sounds really nasty on vocals, the shrieks have bite and the deeper parts add some weight. The whole thing has that old British black metal darkness to it, mixed with the symphonic side they always did well. I also really like “Steed of the Still Water” and the title track. They have these slower, more atmospheric sections that actually feel emotional. And the closer “Into a Vale of Endless Snow” is probably my favourite – it takes its time and then really opens up towards the end.
The production feels right too. Warm enough but still has some edge. You can hear the guitars and the keys clearly without everything turning into a blurry mess. Overall I’m surprised how much I’ve been returning to this record. It’s got that old school vibe I was missing from them, especially the keyboard work. For me this is easily their best album in a long time.
If you used to like Hecate Enthroned back in the day, I think you should check this one!
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