The Ruins of Beverast – The Thule Grimoires (Review)

This is the sixth album from one-man German black/doom metal metal band The Ruins of Beverast.

The Ruins of Beverast’s music is an intriguing and exotic combination of atmospheric black and doom metal. Okay, so what’s so exotic about it, you might ask? Well, it’s the artist’s sublime ability to combine lesser-heard influences, (an occasional touch of Type O Negative, for example), creative ideas that reek of originality, and songwriting that is of both of high quality and of a distinctly individual breed. High praise, I know, but The Thule Grimoires is worthy of it.

The album has a duration of 69 minutes, and contains a musical journey that requires attention and focus to truly unravel its gifts. That, and the time to delve into its esoteric delights across repeated exposures. The artist has crafted a layered work that doesn’t give up its secrets willingly, but plays with the listener’s expectations, teasing enough to keep them returning time after time until they grow accustomed to its non-standard pathways and layout.

The music is highly immersive and emotive, offering unconventional and sometimes uncomfortable soundscapes that drip with atmosphere and mood-driven songwriting. Although based in a personalised form of black/doom hybrid, other styles are mixed into this with seemingly wild abandon. Elements of styles such as psychedelic, progressive, Gothic, and post-rock can be heard in places, and the music also showcases its capabilities well with electronica, ambient, drone, and experimental aspects, which are all represented here and there. What could easily sound like a mess in lesser hands, ends up sounding like a holistic journey into a rare and breathtaking world here.

For such a long album it’s amazing that there is no filler or wasted space. Each song is separate and unique, while fitting in quite naturally with its neighbours. The album flows as one, despite each of the seven tracks being individual creations.

Overall it’s an ambitious record, without really sounding too much like it is; the music sounds completely authentic and natural, as the artist behind the band clearly has not only talent and skill, but the knowledge of how to apply these to produce music that captivates and enthrals.

Well, I’ve been hugely impressed by The Thule Grimoires. It seems that the good things and bold claims I’ve been hearing about The Ruins of Beverast are justified. The Thule Grimoires is an exceptional album.

Essential listening.