Amiensus – Reclamation Pt. II (Review)

This is the fifth album from US black metallers Amiensus.

We’re being treated. This is the second Amiensus album of the year; the second part of Reclamation: Part 1 that we saw back in April. The first instalment was a progressive black metal feast that focused on atmospheric depth. What do the 38 minutes of Reclamation Pt. II have to offer us then?

Reclamation Pt. II picks up where its predecessor ended, providing the listener with a new vast, luscious soundscape to explore. The key differentiating factor between the two halves of the record is how Amiensus treat their core sound; the components are the same, but the emphasis is different.

While the two albums clearly share the same DNA, this new collection of songs is more extroverted and vibrant than the last one. Whereas Part 1 focused on introspection, atmosphere, and emotive depth, Pt. II dials down these elements, and dials up the extroverted aggression, forthright confidence, and resplendent fury. Obviously, all of these aspects of Amiensus are present on both albums, it’s just that the ratios have been inverted somewhat. This makes it the ideal companion piece to what came before.

As alluded to, you’ll still find plenty of atmospheric moments, rich clean singing, and emotional impact to across Reclamation Pt. II. The well-crafted songs are luscious and expansive, flowing through their running time with ethereal grace and blackened might. The music is high quality and immersive. Amiensus form their materials out of only the best building blocks, resulting in songs that are wonderfully rendered and well-realised.

Folk, atmospheric, melodic, progressive, black, death, etc. are all tags that you could throw at Reclamation Pt. II at various points, but regardless, it’s just damn good metal. Amiensus are simply getting better and better at shaping their own voice in the crowded extreme metal landscape. They stood out as a notable band years and years ago, but that notability – and the pure satisfying enjoyment provided by their art – has only increased with time.

Amiensus’ brand of progressive black metal is apparently only getting stronger with the passing of the years. Heavier, more well-rounded, and ultimately slightly superior to its predecessor, Reclamation Pt. II is a sterling record of melodic aggression. Of course, for the full Reclamation experience, you’d need to listen to both halves together; a whopping 91 minutes of music. It’s worth it though. Amiensus know what they’re doing. As a double album, it ends on a high.

Essential listening.