Cistvaen – At Light’s Demise (Review)

This is the debut album from UK atmospheric black metallers Cistvaen.

I like this form of atmospheric black metal, and I like it even more when it’s played with a weighty doom component, as it is here. The promo blurb mentions bands like Agalloch, Fen, My Dying Bride, Alcest, Insomnium, Wolves in the Throne Room, and Winterfylleth, amongst others, so this should give you a good starting point for approaching the 58 minutes of music on At Light’s Demise.

Cistvaen’s music takes its influences and makes them its own. You can hear where the band have looked for inspiration from, but Cistvaen have shaped, arranged, structured, developed, and executed their resulting vision with exemplary skill.

Cistvaen offer up melancholic atmosphere and blackened intensity. There are lighter moments of introspection, which allow the songs to breathe amidst the torrent of blast beats and dark heaviness. The doom-influenced side of the music is tastefully incorporated into the overarching atmospheric style, to very good effect. This helps to balance the aggression out, and provides another aspect of At Light’s Demise to enjoy.

Bleak and harsh, with despairing moods and a cold-burning fury, the songs handle emotion well. At Light’s Demise is not without forlorn beauty though, with many of the melodies portraying post-black metal colour seamlessly integrated into the atmospheric whole. The songs are richly textured and detailed, with many melodic highlights and mood-focused hooks. While it’s definitely an album that shines most over time, it has many immediate assets too. The well-written songs have much to explore and enjoy. All parts of the music are satisfying and engaging, but I have to mention the intricate bass in particular. Often neglected in black metal, (as it is elsewhere), here it adds real value to the songs and has something of its own to contribute, which is a joy to hear.

Vocally, the lead screams sound acidic and sharp. Performed with scathing passion and hateful vehemence, they work well with the rest of the music. I’m pleased to say that these screams are complemented by deep growls, which is a great combination in my book. These sound ragged and cruel, and really provide a contrast the music’s atmospheric depth very nicely.

All in, Cistvaen’s music is well-realised and crafted. The album is built from a potent set of influences that the band bend to their own will. From the US Cascadian style to the ancient UK Peaceville doom scene and beyond, Cistvaen merge everything together into a compelling record that boasts many strengths. My only real complaint, (a common one), is the pointless instrumental interlude. However, it’s perfectly pleasant, and less than one minute in length, so I can’t really moan too much.

At Light’s Denise is a first-rate album that’s really enjoyable and rewarding. It seems that a new power has arisen in the already strong UK black metal scene. Cistvaen’s music has impressed through and through.

Essential listening for connoisseurs of atmospheric black metal.