For all that atmospheric black metal can be in the best of circumstances, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say that it has become distinctly overcrowded and oversaturated even in an age of the underground where that can be argued for many of the big styles throughout the metal spectrum. However, it’s here that such a claim is particularly fitting with all sorts of bands coming out of the woodwork with not nearly enough showing us the glory that can still be had. After laying the groundwork for becoming just such a name to remind us what the style can be, Wolvencrown seizes the moment to blow us away with all that is their second album.

While there are many things that can go into a quality piece of atmospheric black metal, the same can be said here as it can be for many of the bigger styles throughout metal: sometimes simpler is better. It’s always a decent watch to observe a band really trying to build something otherworldly in grandeur and magnitude, but it’s not on a regular basis whatsoever that we see names really accomplish that goal. Far from a purely bare-bones approach to the genre but more of a love letter to what it can still become in the right hands, Wolvencrown weaves real magic of the natural world with all that they’ve summoned forth within the eight tracks of “Celestial Lands”. It’s in that simplicity, however, that Wolvencrown has achieved real depth that we just do not see many other acts pulling off to such a degree. Backed by long-winded keyboards that give way to melancholic, pensive melodies that have real weight, we are constantly entranced by the themes of the damage upon nature that man has caused constantly at the forefront of these impressive songs that rarely clock in below eight minutes in length. That’s something that throngs of others have tapped into in across much of atmospheric black metal, but it’s through their roots tracing back to European tradition and righteous fury that delivers naught but majesty in virtually every capacity.

This is a magnificent demonstration of what it means to deliver material of this style that’s undeniable, magnificent, and effective from top to bottom. The very spirits of nature rejoice in the presence of Wolvencrown with the band’s reputation and pedigree certainly preceding them, and all of that has only be furthered to a tremendous degree with this album. A work that is sure to standout in the band’s discography no matter what is to come next, “Celestial Lands” fills a void that we have been longing to see vanish.

“Celestial Lands” releases on November 29th via Avantgarde Music!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Celestial Lands” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Wolvencrown on Facebook here.