Scribed by Sandre the Giant
The Pacific Northwest’s influence on black metal’s sound is all pervasive these days, and that is largely thanks to the glorious atmospheric work of Wolves in the Throne Room. Their long songs, repetitive and hypnotic riffing and vast soundscapes have created a monstrous crowd in their wake, barely any of whom come close to the rain swept majesty of the originators. After their trilogy ending ‘Celestial Lineage’ in 2011, the band were on the verge of ending as a traditional music act, but continuing to make music was very much in their future. Whether it was to remain black metal in sound or just in spirit was to be seen. Enter ‘Celestite’, the almost fully dark ambient and drone experimental record that followed that iconic trilogy, and an album that divided critics and fans alike. It celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
‘Celestite’ is an album that has a lot of differing opinions about it. As a partner album to the previous ‘Celestial Lineage’, it pales in comparison. But it is also completely different musically, and is meant to be a companion piece not a follow up. Exploring the same themes through dark ambience and drone, ‘Celestite’ is a record of reflection, of introspection and of ethereal beauty. Humming ambience, sleek guitar shimmers and subtle droning electronica is the majority of this record, and while that didn’t endear it to many fans of their original work, it cannot be understated that this is an important part of WITTR’s sound. Their soaring, atmospheric black metal has always been enhanced by their post rock and synth influences and this is merely showcasing just how potent that influence can be. Like Opeth on ‘Damnation’ and ‘Deliverance’, Wolves in the Throne Room’s sound does not exist with just one or the other, it is a complete work. As is ‘Celestite’, whose tracks run into each other and really should be experienced as a single narrative, even more so in conjunction with ‘Celestial Lineage’. Having listened to both back to back for this piece, it has a much more poignant effect.
Few bands have ever managed to grasp the full collaboration between dark ambient and black metal, ever since Varg brought it into being on those early Burzum records. But they both come from dark and mysterious places, and both are filled with atmosphere. ‘Celestite’ may not have any black metal elements musically, but the depth of darkness here is very reminiscient. At the end of the day, many fans were turned off by its apparent aimlessness and lack of traditional black metal elements, but as an integral part of what makes Wolves in the Throne Room what they are, it must be listened to and respected.