As one of the more populated sounds within the vast spectrum and many different realms of metal, atmospheric black metal has more than enough excellence to throw around even as it can often feel as though you have to trudge through much in order to find some of those pieces of glory. When I first came upon Blencathra six years ago, I knew that it was a name that was certainly going to do good things should it simply be given the chance and the time to really hone it into something magnificent. I would certainly say that six years is more than enough time given the right act, and it’s clear with this sophomore effort that Blencathra is a name that more than definitely qualifies as such with it also proving that Blencathra is a real cut above the rest.

Building off of a stellar debut is already a monumental task after you’ve already taken many important steps with that first album alone with the process of honing that excellence something that can be an intimidating prospect for any person. Blencathra could’ve latched onto any given facet of its sound that it put forth in that initial creation to really hone in and master a specific element of its brew, but it’s with “On These Shores Where Nothing Now Stands” that we see the act show us that it’s not easily shaken in the face of a challenge with these eight tracks only doubling down on everything that was brought forth in its predecessor. A delightfully dark piece that has no problems leaning on its grim atmospheres to really paint a tremendous picture of its Celtic influences, Blencathra has only succeeded in the face of what could have easily been an insurmountable prospect for many. Just as competent at bringing about captivating melodies as it is able to bring about great speed before turning sharply into a gorgeous atmosphere dirge where the very falling of the last autumn leaf is given great reverence for all that it is, Blencathra left nothing to chance with its sonic evolution showing at every turn throughout “On These Shores Where Nothing Now Stands” with the record itself being just about as beautiful and punishing as we could ever ask for from some of the best atmospheric black metal.

It was with its first album that Blencathra showed us a vision of what could be with an expected level of quality, and now it’s with this sophomore effort that we see Blencathra confirm those very suspicions. For all that’s brought forth within the entirety of “On These Shores Where Nothing Now Stands”, Blencathra proves itself a name that demands to be respected and paid close attention to. Even if it takes another six years or longer before we hear from the act again, I cannot help but feel in my soul that such a wait will be well worth it.

LISTEN to “II – On These Shores Where Nothing Now Stands…” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Blencathra on Facebook here.