Carrion Wraith – Carrion Wraith
If you were told you had one week to fully write and compose an album what would you think? The words shit!, fuck off! and no way! spring to mind.
Well according to Canadian 3 piece Carrion Wraith that is how long it took them to write and record their noteworthy self titled debut album. Not from outside pressure or contractual agreements but from choice and an experiment with limited time!
I was recommended this by someone I know and even after I got it it took me ages to get round to listening to it, don’t know why. On several long journeys I finally fired it up on my iPod and was lured into the sinister murky concept world of the “Carrion Wraith, a character who spreads rot and darkness in his forests,” which is something I can identify with after conceptualising all sorts of fucked-up stuff with Stug over the years.
It kicks off with some thunder and flies buzzing around whatever your mind can conjure and slowly fades in some acoustic guitars for a few seconds. Then there is a drum roll and some slow, limbering raw guitars burst open. Vocals are suitably similar and perfect accompaniment. The atmosphere is created for the concept and really pulls you in.
It does speed up a bit during the first seven minutes but mostly Carrion Wraith stick to middle tempo arrangements which is a welcome change. This would normally get boring quickly but what makes it work are some subtle changes in key and riff variation. Sure, it’s nothing new, just done very well.
The second song begins with wolf howls and really underlines the effectiveness of the subtle changes they make. The rest of the songs don’t differ too much but are consistent and really enjoyable. I wish I had this album when I used to smoke weed because this would take you on an incredible journey after several large bongs!
Song titles are decent enough; “Through The Woods Of Wraiths And Gloom”, “His Rotting Crown And Carcass Throne” and “Lord Of Contagion And The Vulturs Wing”. There are a couple in French too which I suppose was inevitable from a band who hail from Quebec.
The subtlety of the songs really makes them seem to last for ages although they actually are on the long side. There are some other good touches of creativity and atmosphere with more acoustic guitars overlaying electric ones and some chant-like singing. It makes for dark and depressing listening but not like the shitty depressive metal, this is good stuff. Like a good English beer or ale it has strength, depth and bite.
The fact that this was all created within a week is incredible, they must have remained awake for the whole time by injecting speed and snorting Pro Plus tablets! The maturity and production are that of an album months in the making. On the strength of that alone you should check out this album because it deserves it.
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depressive and dark..I finished a new pack of Marlboro listening to the whole tracklist.chill stuff.
Is it worth getting cancer for Kratos? I reckon not but it is a mighty fine slab of BM
I’m cutting down the habit(smoking)now Waffen..and yes this is fine slab of BM..been listening to it again now and then.
excellent, very depressive music, perfect for my moods
Glad you liked it Waff, I find myself putting this cd on more often than a lot of the new stuff. Keep on reviewing the underground, you guys are the best.