Anciients – Beyond the Reach of the Sun (Review)

This is the third album from Canadian progressive metal band Anciients.

I haven’t heard Anciients since their 2013 album Heart of Oak, and it’s been a long eight years since their last release, (2016’s Voice of the Void, which I completely missed out on), so I’ve some cathing up to do. I really like their debut though, so was looking forward to the 59 minuets of Beyond the Reach of the Sun. The band have a new lineup, but they still don’t let me down.

If you’re unfamiliar with Anciients, then they play a charismatic form of progressive sludge metal. If you’re a fan of bands such as Enslaved, Gojira, High on Fire, Ihsahn, Mastodon, The Ocean, and Opeth, then there’s likely something about Anciients’ music that will speak to you. It speaks to me loud and clear.

The music on Beyond the Reach of the Sun is richly progressive in character, with layered songwriting that makes the most of the luscious, three-dimensional sound that Anciients find themselves with. Importantly, the band are skilled at creating their sound with an array of hooks, making the music far more engaging than many progressive bands do.

The songs are awash with engaging vocals, memorable melodies, driving bass, and riffs that hit the spot. The progressive nature of the music counterbalances the instantly appealing qualities that these assets supply, allowing Beyond the Reach of the Sun to hold more depth and carry more of an emotive presence than you may expect. Anciients write songs of substance, rather than of simple surface appeal, and some of the progressive explorations and instrumental workouts are captivating. Bolstered by keyboards and synths in key places, there’s a lot to enjoy here.

Beyond the Reach of the Sun is a very confident and assured album. Anciients have clearly spent the necessary time on their music to ensure it is of suitably high quality. The record boasts a collection of tracks that are fleshed out with nuance and detail and are absorbing in their atmospheric and emotive delivery, while still having plenty of moments that just kick out the jams big-style. For its style, it hard to imagine another record beating this one this year.

Very highly recommended.