Hailing from the Netherlands, Alburnum, comprised out of 2 musicians, D.B. and R.v.R., complemented with live musicians, present their full-length debut full of captivating and melodic Atmospheric/Folk Black Metal.
‘The Withered Roots of Reality’ is an independent release as the musicians wanted to keep a grip on their music. With tracks such as ‘The Hermit Has Passed into Another Life’ or ‘The Wheel Spins Once More’ we get Folk Metal (Skyclad?) combined with Pagan Black Metal influences and neoclassical influences with faster and more aggressive parts.
It’s riveting to hear just how dynamic and well-constructed the arrangements are. A myriad of acoustic guitars, mandolins, accordions and choir vocals are poured into the music. Sheep horns are struck together as percussion on one track, it’s wild, vibrant, organic and will surely turn a few heads in the Folk/Black scene.
The album contains a total of six tracks, clocking in at just under 35 minutes. Each composition unfolds with a careful/delicate balance of Black Metal aggression and folk-laden melody, often traversing multiple moods within single tracks.
I’m not going to reveal too much about this killer album, this one must be experienced.
Fans of Folk/Black Metal and/or adventurous Atmospheric Black Metal need to sample Alburnum and ‘The Withered Roots of Reality’!
