If I could have picked two US Metal bands to collaborate for a limited split EP, then Tridroid Records had been reading my mind and have released my dream EP this year, giving the label a further tentative step into the world of CDs. In keeping with their model, this EP is available for free download to anyone that wants it, but I think it is safe to say that the CD will sell out rapidly.
Amiensus and Oak Pantheon both hail from Minnesota and each shares much in common in both music and ethos, so it makes perfect sense that some form of collaboration would follow. Fortunately, this has happened and it hits the spot perfectly!
“Gathering” is the inevitable result of their collaboration over the past few months. Either a cherished new track from each act, or simply an introduction to both, this is essential listening for fans of Agalloch, Katatonia, Gallowbraid, Fen, Kauan or Alcest.
At a fraction under 10 minutes, Amiensus’ “Arise” builds from Folky acoustic beginnings and grows into a multi-faceted electric melodic work of art. Both clean and harsh vocals nestle alongside dark, brooding and hypnotic Folk Metal that incorporates elements of Doom, Black, Death and Progressive Metal, with strong melodies and themes, this simply exudes quality.
Oak Pantheon’s “A Gathering” is an unreleased track from their début full-length “From a Whisper” that the band revisited and re-wrote just for this split. At around 6:30, again this is no radio friendly edit, this is a powerful and dynamic faster paced heavier atmospheric track, with hooks and groove aplenty. In truth, the whole EP is over all too soon.
Each band embodies the spirit of the late autumnal season, with the dramatic song-writing and sweeping melodies that draw you in and provide a memorable soundtrack for this time of year. Such a simple concept, high quality musicianship that appeals to both fans of free music and collectors alike. This could be come as difficult to hunt down as a copy of the début Oak Pantheon album! Without question, top marks; an utterly brilliant release.
50 copies of the CD are available for purchase from Amiensus.
50 copies of the CD are available for purchase from Oak Pantheon.
The remaining 100 copies of the CD are available for purchase from Tridroid Records.