American Ambient Black Metal project VALIANT is here with a fifth album! I reviewed the previous and really enjoyed it so I am hoping this is just as excellent. Set for release independently on April 3rd.
Gorgeous medieval melodies and ambience set the release off to an immersive start with a stunning atmospheric introduction. Before any of the Black Metal sections even begin, I can tell this is going to be just as grandiose as the previous releases, perhaps even more so. Gnarly riffs, pounding tribal drums and snarling vocals jump in without warning, a bleak and mesmerisingly raw assault of Black Metal joins the ambient orchestration with total strength. The hauntingly beautiful yet abrasively anguishing music certainly lives up to the standards of previous material.
With all sorts of elements from Dungeon Synth and Black Metal to less obvious Folk and even Rock coming into the sound, there is plenty of catchy hooks, transcendently ancient instrumentals and caustic aggression all balanced in a splendid manner that truly is enticing and magnificently layered. Glistening with a ritualistic and archaic vibrancy, there is no denying the sheer atmospheric prowess of this journey which utilises some fantastic songwriting abilities to the maximum. Rather quickly you will find yourself enchanted by the mystical soundscapes Valiant has to offer here.
There is a dancing ritualistic undertone to this record that emanates from the drum patterns while the dancing melodies from the guitars and keys give a more folkish blend to the sound, these two components make for the perfect ancient backing to the eerily drawn out howling vocals. Although there is the odd part that doesn’t quite line up, overall these two core sounds work magnificently together in a truly enticing fashion. The interlude tracks are interesting but remain short enough to not halt the momentum of the record. Clearly plentiful thought and premeditation when into the creation of this material.
Those whom prefer a more traditional or aggressive approach to Black Metal may find this release too drawn out, but fans of Summoning, Lustre, Elderwind and the like will certainly be worshipping at the mystical beauty and multi-faceted brilliance that “Our Fathomless Nature” has to offer. Perhaps some parts become a little too drawn out and could be more to the point but this is a small criticism of an otherwise haunting, and bold tome of excellent music that really is chilling. If Valiant is not a band you are familiar with and you enjoy Black Metal with much more heavily orchestral / symphonic leanings, then this is definitely one to sink into and become enveloped by. -7.5/10
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