Wolves in the Throne Room — Celestite

Olympia, Washington's black metal outfit Wolves in the Throne Room are back with their fifth release, Celestite. This new album is not only their first foray into synthesizer driven compositions, but also the first on their new imprint, Artemisia Records. Building on the synth work laid down for their last album, Celestial Lineage, Celestite shows the Wolves moving from operatic black metal to thick, almost video gamey scores. Judging from what I've read, this seems to be the first in an undetermined number to be released in this style.

Over the course of five tracks and roughly 45 minutes, Celestite weaves a dense tapestry of long synth notes and heavy atmosphere. "Turning Ever Towards the Sun" opens up the album with what feels like the entrance to a new kingdom in an RPG video game. . Waves of synth drones break into semi-regal triumph march before turning back into oscillating drones and reverb. The eleven minute run time gives plenty of opportunity for the Wolves to shape space and build a rich atmosphere. "Initiation at Neudeg Alm" follows a more compostional approach. Layered note harmonies dance with near flanged oscillation while a heavy guitar drones on in the back. The extra thickness added by guitar distortion helps "Initiation" to stand out against the previous track. Ending with fading sparse synth and delayed drums gives a sense of drifting though the void of space. Speaking of space, "Bridge of Leaves" feels like a score to an alien planet flyover. This "Bridge" also bridges into the longest track on the album, "Celestite Mirror." Some times electro and some times new age, "Celestite Mirror" is a very contemplative track that allows the listener to dig in and follow the layered flow from grand, sweeping flights to guitar and horn driven depths. This track takes its time and does it right. "Sleeping Golden Storm" closes the album out in much of the same fashion as the songs that came before. It's a fitting end to an enjoyable album.

There are parts to Celestite that seem very genre familiar and hackneyed, but it never feels trite. Since this is their first foray into this style, it can be excused, but shouldn't be overlooked. Wolves in the Throne Room have a good handle on the style and I feel that their future output in this direction will only improve.