Ancient Torment and Haxen are both US black metal bands, and they have teamed up for this split release.
Ancient Torment, (who feature an ex-member of Abnormality), open the split, with two songs lasting 13 minutes in total.
The lengthily titled A Solitary Grave Illuminated by the Light of the Morningstar is my first introduction into the world of Ancient Torment. It reveals a band that have a strong blackened sound, one that know how to effectively incorporate dark melody into their music. There’s a bestial edge to the song, only a somewhat refined version of this. Less raw chaos, and more raw sinister presence. Having said that, the singer is certainly on the more monstrous side, with his grim utterances sounding quite inhuman and in places quite unhinged. It’s a good track, with many strengths, in particular some of the riffs.
Outlaw Cleansed Waters is next, displaying more of Ancient Torment’s ability at combining engaging riffs and macabre melodies with maniacal vocals. This song has an energy to it that’s infectious, and reinforces my particular appreciation for the band’s ability to write compelling guitar parts.
Ancient Torment remind me of a mix of bands like of bands like Azaghal, Sargeist, and Horna, alongside in places touches of a band like Coscradh, only with more melody.
Haxen, (who feature members of Sangus), provide three tracks to the second half of the split that have a total duration of 17 minutes.
Blood on the Fire opens with classic-sounding blackened groove that recalls Darkthrone or Khold. It’s a solid and enjoyable song that could have clawed its way out of the 90s quite convincingly. I especially like the last minute or so, which features feral abandon combined with dark atmosphere.
Cave and Solitude ratchet ups the atmosphere, while still focusing mainly on quality riffs and simple-but-effective songwriting. The band’s use of morbid melody is good, and the slower sections see them building some great moods with this. The faster parts simply take these moods and run with them, demonstrating Haxen’s ability to adapt their pace, while still retaining the overall feel of the music. Once again, the end of the song is especially good.
The closing track is Black Eyes of Dog, which showcases Haxen at their most aggressive and focused. Driven by blast beats, but not ruled by them, the song tears by on churning riffs and fierce screams. It boasts darkly melodic strengths that immersive with atmospheric wings, while its vampiric bite closes in for the kill.
Haxen offer an authentically raw and old-school serving of atavistic black metal darkness. Offering a traditional vision of black metal, Haxen’s songs are easily devoured if you’re a fan of the style.
The Howling Gale is a satisfying and rewarding listen for any connoisseur of underground black metal.
Highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 