ANCIIENTS, is a Vancouver based quartet band made up of: Kenny Cook (Lead Vocals, Guitars), Chris Dyck (Guitar and Vocals), Aaron “Boon” Gustafson (Bass) and Mike Hannay (Drums) . After a successful debut ‘’Heart of the Oak’’ released in 2013 by Season Of Mist, introducing reeks of colossal harmonies, shattering rhythm sections and distinct powerful vocals, comes second album ‘’Voice of the VoId’’ a long awaited album-to be honest -as they mix stoner, sludge, and progressive elements, in their music that can blow your mind!
This time they have invested in a darker and heavy way than the stoner elements from before, crafting sludge-infused metal, with catchy guitars and dual vocals. Many, will find resemblance to bands like MASTODON, early BARONESS and even KYLESA , as they explore through the album.
“The name MASTODON, keeps buzzing in my head like an annoying fly.”
Opening track ’’Following the Voice’’, puts you directly in the mood. Strong killer riffing and almost seven minutes long. With the vocals altering in mood and an impressive backbone of bass and drumming. Great song and up next an eleven minute trip of the song ‘’Buried in Sand’’, that unfolds the massiveness of the band. Full with energy and aggression, it is the top peak of the album, even though, the name MASTODON, keeps buzzing in my head like an annoying fly.
Unfortunately, all of the above, can’t be said about next track “Worshiper’’ while ‘’Pentacle’’ is a bit more sludgy and dark, with excellent performance in riffing and drumming that saves the day. They slow things down with a prelude track ‘’Descending’’ and ‘’Ibex Eye’’ is up next, with a bombard of riffing and psychedelic harmonies, that shows that both guitarists can make killer riffs and develop beautiful songs. Reaching track seven ‘’My Home My Gallows’’ which bursts with aggression and energy and elevates the band and yes , this is the sound I’ve being waiting to hear from these Canadian craftsmen! Last two tracks ‘’Serpents’’ and ‘’Incantations’’ show a melancholic and gloomy approach and more catchy vocal melodies.
“Voice Of the Void”, is an album with great moments and powerful songs. I was hoping for something much more from ANCIIENTS, than their version of ‘’Crack The Skye’’. It would be so much better, if the band detached from this trap and unfolded like we know they can!