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Band: Skognatt
Album title: Ancient Wisdom [EP]
Release date: 1 September 2017
Label: Self-Released
Tracklist:
01. Ancient Wisdom
02. Xibalbá
Ancient Wisdom was a worth experience provided to me by Skognatt, a one-man band from Augsburg in Germany. Danijel Zambo, the man behind Skognatt, is an excellent multi-instrumentalist with an accurate sensibility that is translated through his songs. Skognatt made himself known in 2016 when the demo named Landscape Of Ice was released, and it got me already with the first chords. Soon after in the same year, Stargazer came to life and brought an intense dark ambient atmosphere. In March of this year we came to know a single, "Eternal Frost" and now the EP Ancient Wisdom.
What we get from Skognatt is atmospheric and doomy black metal encased in a haze of fantastic mystique and solidly built by Danijel. In both tracks the dense and dark atmosphere is present, but at the same time the melody is enchanting and magical. This is an EP that abuses slower tempos adding a valuable atmosphere of mystery and menacing aesthetics through the ferocious vocal.
This two songs are difficult to forget, immensely emotional, the atmospheric elements are seamlessly added creating this smoothly mystique veil. I could not classify the tracks as depressive black metal tones, this time I didn't feel depressive at all, but very emotional instead. All this atmosphere is conjured with keyboards and symphonic arrangements and an amazing acoustic guitar. The lyrics explore the metaphysical paths of reality and the occult aspects of ancient times. The first track introduce us to the synths along with the acoustic guitar and in sequence interpenetrating both leading us to a more raw yet melodic scenario with a grim vocal, coming from an entity that has possessed Danijel.
Whispering, growling and spoken voices are present in a disturbed way sometimes. I admired a lot the insertion of the guitar in a flamenco approach at certain parts which really brings some additional dynamics to the whole thing. That peculiarity brought to the track an emotional sensuality. The second track, "Xibalbá", starts a little faster with a very good dose of tremolo pickings and blast beats, providing a very raw and characteristic old school feeling, gone back in early 90s for sure. The melodic guitar is something that enchants and is always present mixed with the entity's voice. The good work of Skognatt surprises me a lot through his sonic journey and undoubtedly Skognatt is a band that has much to offer.
In addition, I want make sure that Skognatt is very well characterized in the atmospheric black metal style. But unfortunately the tracks are too short, together comprise only a bit more than 10 minutes! Well, the short time is the negative aspect of this EP in my point view.
Ancient Wisdom is a perfect and well executed work of cohesion. This is precisely why it should have longer tracks. Skognatt has tremendous potential to be explored within his style and his work so far has proved to be excellent. Looking forward to a proper album by this great act. Danijel Zambo, keep it up with the good work!
Review written by: Felin Frost
Rating: 8/10
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