FALL OF RAUROS „Hail Wind and Hewn Oak”

Music: Folk/Black Metal
Website: www.myspace.com/fallsofrauros
Country: United States of America
Duration: 01:00:22 (8 songs)


Cool Songs: The Fire We Fathered, Hail Wind and Hewn Oak, Of Stone and the Stars in the Sky, . In Waves of Golden Light, To Witness Existence.

I seem to be discovering some amazing music (or Black Metal in recent times) these days, further disproving the statement which disdains the fact of great Black Metal music emerging from the United States. I’ve recently mentioned pillars of the USBM scene who aided me in disapproving the above mentioned statement, namely Judas Iscariot, Weakling, Nachtmystium, Lightning Swords of Death, Valdur and Averse Sefira, and now, Fall of Rauros, doing nothing more than driving away any leftover doubts.

Although this particular project stands independent, mostly due to the bands concepts and beliefs, and most importantly, the music, speaking of which, reminded me and a few other of my colleagues who are now fans of this band, of a better known project, namely Agalloch, also from The States.

Although Fall of Rauros (FoR) reminds me of the earlier days of the above mentioned project (Agalloch), it is important to state the fact that they indeed have, after two demos and one full length, FoR, with “Hail Wind and Hewn Oak”, their second full length release, made a significant impact on the U.S. scene with a fresh breath of originality.

“Hail Wind And Hewn Oak” starts off with a short introductory track, clocking no more than 1:19mins, this track itself for me, laid down somewhat larger than a fraction of what to expect from this release. Which leads me to speak about the second track of the 8track album, “The Fire We Fathered”, which starts off with an acoustic guitar piece which eventually transforms itself into a rawer form as a nod towards the bands Black Metal influence. And as expected, “Hail Wind And Hewn Oak” is filled with a picturesque ambiance fueled with acoustic folk interludes, clean vocal chanting fused with the rawer Black Metal side of the band (Of Stone And Stars In The Sky) whilst assuring the preservation of the atmosphere Fall Of Rauros strives to create and protect via this release. The lead guitar work in tracks especially like “In Waves Of Golden Light” should be greatly complimented here, which to me are of paramount importance when it comes to the atmospheric aspect of this project.

Although the band in an interview acknowledges the fact of their attempt to make this release sound more “natural” by going through a quick recording session, they should have taken a few more steps to work on the drum tones a tad bit more, which is what I consider the only downside to this release, the one and only, mind you. Everything from the drum work to the hollow vocal screaches do nothing more than enhance the ambiance FoR strives to produce. Regarding the fact of myself not bearing topshelf knowledge on Mastering and Mixing, I shall avoid going into exact details. Although it should be said that if the band worked on the drums a tad bit more, while avoiding a totally polished sound (which would ultimately ruin the rawness which attracts me to this project in the first place), this would be an amazing release. My attraction towards the artwork on this release by Fall Of Rauros who have taken a step away from printing the usual band photos/lyrics on the booklet, who instead have resorted to adding more physical material to represent their ideals, should also be mentioned and commended here.

All in all, a great release by a largely underrated project. I shall be ending this review by recommending this release to all fans of the genre and bands such as (early)Ulver and (early)Agalloch, and wishing the band nothing but the best, hoping to hear from them anytime soon, with newer material, ladies and gents I give you, from Maine, United States, Fall Of Rauros.

note: 8.5/10

Tracklist

1.The Sun Tonight Has Set
2.The Fire We Fathered
3.Hail Wind and Hewn Oak
4.Fury in Our Blood, Thunder in Our Hearts
5.Of Stone and the Stars in the Sky
6.In Waves of Golden Light
7.To Witness Existence
8.And Never Shall There Be

Line-up

Acrimonious Vagabond
Abhorrent Wayfarer