ANCIENT ASCENDANT
“RAISE THE TORCH”
Album Review By Chris Palmer
9/10
Ancient Ascendant is a four-piece band from Reading, UK. Originally formed in 2003 as Heretic, the band was renamed as Ancient Ascendant in 2005 and is based on a solid foundation of Black and Death Metal, whilst injecting eclectic ideas from a wide range of fine metal traditions.
The band, consisting of Alex Butler [Guitar/Vocals], Dave Moulding [Drums], Alan Webb [Bass], and Nariman Poushin [Guitar], released its debut demo “The Path To Heaven” in 2008. Swiftly following was the band’s debut EP, “The Heathen Throne”, which was released the same year. Ancient Ascendant went on to release another two EPs and a full-length album during the next four years before signing to Candlelight/Spinefarm Records for the release of second full-length album “Echoes And Cinder” in 2014.
Earlier this year [April 21st to be exact] saw the release of the quartet’s third full-length, “Raise The Torch”, also on Candlelight/Spinefarm Records. This new release contains nine tracks which are spread over 45 minutes and opens with the beautiful “Reawakening”. Lasting for just 90 seconds, this opening number leads you straight into “Our Way”, which begins with some melodic guitar-play before both bass and drums enter as the tempo increases. A guttural roar spews forth from Alex as this extreme metal monster intensifies dramatically and sends you into bouts of headbanging, leaving you breathless. What an impressive opening to the album.
“Scaling The Gods” hits you like a steam train as Ancient Ascendant pound you into the ground with a barrage of heavy riffs, pounding bass lines and pummelling drums. The powerhouse rhythm section of Alan and Dave thunders through the speakers and I’m absolutely loving the dual vocal attacks of rough growls and high-pitched screams. I can’t help but nod my head in approval whilst grinning like an idiot! That aforementioned nodding of the head intensifies as “Unearth” instantly grabs my attention with its heavy rhythm. Trust me, the rhythm of this is so contagious it’ll still be bouncing through your brain hours after the track has finished. There’s no respite though as Ancient Ascendant hand out yet another bout of extreme punishment with “Carnal”. The riffs are so heavy they threaten to tear your head clean off your shoulders!
With an aching neck, you’ll start to slowly crawl into “Foreign Skies” accompanied by light drum beats and guitars. Don’t be fooled by this rather light and unique opening though, because Ancient Ascendant will hit you square in the face with punishing riffs soon, sending you stomping around the room as the quartet plough through this terrific number. There’s no respite as the outstanding “Grasping The Torch” follows with its impressive rhythm and pace. The aggressive vocal attack from this band is a joy to the ears, as are the heavy guitars of Alex and Nariman. “The Great Curve” blasts by leaving you breathless and sweating before you’re pulled by the scruff of the neck into final number “To The Cold”, which brings this fine album to a close.
This album is an intense, yet thoroughly enjoyable listen. It’s chock full of thundering drums, pounding bass lines, insanely heavy guitars, and extreme vocals. What more could you want from Ancient Ascendant?
With “Raise The Torch”, Ancient Ascendant have produced an album that should move the band up to the next level within the UK Metal scene. It’s a step up from the band’s previous work and an excellent set of nine songs that’ll have you headbanging throughout the mosh pit endlessly. The band will leave you battered, bruised, and breathless, but you’ll want more!
Overall “Raise The Torch” shows Ancient Ascendant at their very best. It’s a definite step up from 2014’s excellent “Echoes And Cinder” and repeated listens are mandatory! This album is an essential purchase for both fans of and newcomers to Ancient Ascendant.
TRACKLIST
Reawakening
Our Way
Scaling The Gods
Unearth
Carnal
Foreign Skies
Grasping The Torch
The Great Curve
To The Cold
http://www.ancientascendant.com
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