Common Eider, King Eider — Extinction
Slowly approaching from the distance, Extinction starts off with the title track. The light, almost medieval sounding drone is punctuated with cacophonous drums and evil, witch-like screams. Soft meditation is replaced with terror and unease as no discernible pattern emerges from the horrifying dirge. Numerous drones float like smoke from this eldritch pyre and loud outbursts act as magical dust tossed on the flames to awaken the spirits from their slumber. Cavernous and subterranean, "Black Bough" scales Extinction back a tad into more creepy, ambient turf. Echoes and reverb abound as this trip through the inner recesses of the Earth take hold. Sparse drums appear to signify the start of this mystical ritual about to take place. "Crystalline Shore" leaves the depths and extends itself aerially to spread its wings. Lower, bell-like drones and chant-like whisperings are transformed into higher, almost cinematic tones that bring forth images of slowly moving clouds and astral projection. Rounding out the album is the mostly subdued, but still rockin' "A Wisp of Smoke, and Salem Burns." Long, contemplative droves give way to soft, wistful guitars before heavy notes tell of the razing of the title. Slow, but still a head nodder, "Wisp" brings the album to a close on a strong note and nicely wraps up this beautiful album.
At times eerie and subterranean, but also airy and majestic, Extinction brings the listener on a journey of emotion and discovery. The drones delight and the drums impress, and the run time flies by. Holding up to repeated listens by exposing new textures each time, this album is highly recommended. While it's summer now, this one would play very well in the cold winter months, too.