The 12th album from these Norse giants hath arrived. I always think of this as the ICS Vortex band, but Arcturus might fit that description better as other singers have claimed the mic. The album opens with the kind of bombast whose roots are steeped in their black metal history by leading off with screamed vocals and a super aggressive slice with razor-sharp riffing before going into their more progressive side. The more operatic croon of Vortex's trademark soaring bellow comes with the chorus. Midway into the song things really wander off into the majestic wonderment fans know they are capable of,
They are eager to reach into their more Pagan side on the second song, which is one of the album's best tunes. It is tense yet, atmospheric with a tribal groove. Despite the opening track this album does find them opening even wider doors to their melodic side. "Afar' is a great example of this. However, it does blast into black metal sections that are given a more melodic counterpoint. Perhaps not as focused as the first two songs, but still effective. The drummer is eager to hammer things down like a pumped-up version of Deep Purple on "Moon".The vocal melody is really strong on this one. They continue down a more melodic path with 'Stars Ablaze" There are black metal moments to it, but it works more of a grandiose prog feel.
Despite the double bass momentum, "'Unravelling" picks up where the previous song left off though things shift to a more melancholic mood. "Wild Lingers" departs into a more Pink Floyd-like sonic space. The guitar is very tasteful. The metal is dialed back, but it is a really well-written song so it is hard to care about that. "Northward" finds them back in black. It does slow into the kind of epic affair you expect from these guys now. It should be noted that the guitar solos are totally ripping, and if you are into that sort of thing you will dig it. I will give this one a 9.5, it lives up to its legacy and is a logical progression of it.
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