Review: The Wolf Garden “The Yawning Abyss” [Zombnambulist Records]

You may remember a few months back when I was complaining about the state of the British Black Metal scene? I now happily stand corrected. I can swallow my pride with ease when I’m wrong and boy, I was wrong. The Wolf Garden (along with a handful of others) have played a large part in changing my mind…

The Wolf Garden is a 2 man band. T.H handles all guitars, synth and vocals whilst P.B takes on percussive duties. It’s clear these two gel well, both musically and stylistically because the mix works so well which means we have a clear sonic picture to deal with.

“The Yawning Abyss”, which was released on December 1^st 2018 via Zombnambulist Records starts out very gently with the beautiful yet minimal guitar licks of a skilled player in T.H. They have caressed me time and again into a false sense of security; for I know that doom impends. And so it does… By switching pace and energy so easily throughout the 4 track E.P, “The Wolf Garden” spikes interest and attention in equal measure. We have an emotional battle on our hands within “The Yawning Abyss”, one that captures the essence of misery, fragility and pain. 4 tacks that focus on you guessed it, the dark things in life. 4 tracks that will leave you satisfied if you’re anywhere near a fan of emotional music. Beautiful, sorrowful and with a lingering bitterness throughout, “The Yawning Abyss” hits the mark several times over within its 25 minutes play time. The E.P is able to float and stomp at the same time. Heavy, indulgent and filled with sound effects and synth passages. Layering up the music to fantastic heights. So much anguish is put into the vocals, trailing off in torment at key points. This is blazingly depressive stuff with just a glimpse of strength through hope.

At times, some of the guitar riffs reminded me of the minimalistic approach of “ColdWorld”. The “Winters Father” track especially. Turning from that approach until we are hit by shimmering guitars. That wall of sound that’s bright, gorgeous and uplifting. One we all recognise… A perfect contrast to the misery and grief that is ever present.

Of course, I highly recommend “The Wolf Garden”, “The Yawning Abyss” deserves high praise indeed – and I’ll go so far as to say that this release has helped me though some rough times since December. I’m looking especially at track 2 “Ginnungagap”. In the same vain; a special shout out to the brothers and sisters at The Order ov the Black Arts which is where I found The Wolf Garden and so much solace within.

Please have a listen and support the artists over on Bandcamp.