Wÿntër Ärvń – Abysses (Black Metal Folk Stuff)
A little late on this review, but I wanted to let Wÿntër Ärvń sink into my being more before I made my final decision. It was necessary, for I rarely receive folk that truly captures my attention, dark folk probably least of all. Not familiar sir, you think? Never, most of it simply fails to go beyond the limits already set prior. The concept of “folk music” is one rooted in ages of tradition, so how to craft something recognizable yet stimulating? Never an easy thing, of course, and it’s something I comment on constantly with practically everything I review. I’d say “I’ve heard it all,” but that would be denying you the chance to hear someone say it different. Abysses captures the essence of dark and neo folk, for certain, but can Wÿntër Ärvń do more?
Abysses is best considered something like neo medieval laments. It’s wispy, airy, classic, yet lacks the flippancy of actual medieval minstrel standards. Wÿntër Ärvń is more fitting with the sensation of listening to 1990s black metal, in fact there’s even a (shudder) Xasthur cover in this one. As much as I hate that project, these guys do a much better job with the sound, lol. As such, you can clearly feel the black metal inspiration. Where it lacks is a general absence of terror. Should the listener be unversed in black metal, Abysses will likely sound similar to practically any dark folk project. Where Wÿntër Ärvń really hit it hard was in the final track, where a strong usage of oppressive vocals appears. This element, in particular, would create a more rounded sound overall, but presents a tricky problem because too much would result in smothering the sound. Still, for what it is Abysses is a satisfactory release that provides enough layers to satisfy beyond a single listen.
Written by Stanley, Devourer of Souls
Wÿntër Ärvń – Abysses
Antiq Label
Cover Art: Maéna
4.2 / 5
