Veldes - 'Skyward' EP (2014)

Veldes

'Skyward' (EP)

Razed Soul Productions

2014

Veldes is a slovenian atmospheric black metal band, founded in 2012 by Tilen Simon (Nephrolith). This project has released only one album so far. It's succesor is called 'Skyward', and it contains four new tracks.
To be honest I hadn't opportunity to listen to band's music. But the first contact with this EP was rather positive - the cover art reminded me Beksinski's works (or maybe it really is his picture?). I simply like such kind of graphics. I like also Drudkh and Wolves In The Throne Room, which defenitely inspired Veldes to compose and record. Unfortunately the music of this slovenian project is not very original. I failed to find here any element that would be surprising. The music is not bad though, especially in the slower parts - even if for most of the time it is a well-known combination: 'hypnotic, black metal riffs + some keyboard samples + typical black metal screaming manner'. Interesting though are moments in the second song 'Woe Eater', when a sound of Veldes turns more into music inspired by Solstafir from 'Svartir Sandar' album. Also ambient intro and outro is quite good - it might be great to hear more of such mixture of psychodelia and electronic stuff in the future. Those are defenitely the best fragments of this release.
From the other hand, the music has also a big flaw - I don't know how other reviewers see this, but in my opinion fast parts are annoying. I mean here especially cymbals and double foot percusion. Maybe it's a fault of bad production, but it seems to me that a drum machine replaces here a 'live' musician. And everyone knows how sound blast-beats made in computer programs - terrible!
The material is short, so I am also writing short review. Generally speaking, the content of this EP is not bad. Fans of aforementioned bands, as well as of atmospheric music in general should like 'Skyward'. I am affraid though that Veldes won't find many supporters outside those narrow circles. My advice for a future is as follows - try to more experiment in slower areas, especially with those psychedelic and ambient things. And defenitely change a sound of drums if you want to continue doing more extreme parts in the future. Now everything sounds OK, but as far as I hear it Tilen is capable to record something much better.

Rating: 6+/10
Vladyka

Listen to band's music here: 

Tracklist:

1. Skyward

2. Woe Eater

3. Of Rain And Mose

4. Gone

Total time: 26:35

Fen - "Dustwalker" (2013)

Fen

"Dustwalker"

Code666 Recs.

2013

Here on the Heathen Altar I try to write mostly about the music I personally like. I don't want to be like those internet-warriors who are spreading bullshit about some bands just because they are bored with computer games or masturbation. So, when I am lookong for some new bands to check I always try to get some information about them, just to not waste my time on something that is poor or at the best mediocre. I assume that you guessed why I started this review like that... But I wasted so much of my time (almost a month) in order to find something special on this album that I have to write what's following. 

First of all, you're propably wondering what's Fen playing. Well, the band reside in England, and "Dustwalker" is their 3rd full-lenght. They are playing black metal mixed with post-rock, and they are trying to create some atmosphere. Yes, "trying". I don't know band's previous albums, but the main problem of their latest release is boredom. I can't say that they don't have skills or something - no, they have. But for me their music doesn't have balls. Fen's moving on the calm, minimalist areas, and for most of the time they sound like a post-rock band, not black metal. That's nothing bad, but as you might know many of those post-whatever bands play too sweet and too calm. And that's the main problem with Fen: after a second track I am fighting with myself to not fall asleep. I understand that music can be hypnotic, relaxing, mysterious etc. but I can't accept things like that. From time to time we can hear some interesting riff (like beginning of "Wolf Sun"), but they are drowning in the sea of mediocrity. There are moments when band tries something more progressive to get listener's attention, but I am indifferent to it like a sixty years old guy is indifferent to sex. And I could write much more how's this album mediocre for me, but Fen has sufficiently wasted my time.

If you're a fan of atmospheric post-rock, you can check this album for your own responsibility. But if you're not, let better stay away from "Dustwalker".

Rate: 5/10 (for trying...)

Vladyka

Tracklist:

1. Consequence

2. Hands of Dust

3. Spectre

4. Reflections

5. Wolf Sun

6. The Black Sound

7. Walking the Crowpath