The chilling atmosphere of Ungoliath’s ‘The Fourfold Descent’ EP takes listeners into the harsh realities of life. The four-track release packs immense power into its compact form with each song reflecting a different season and its associated emotional cycle. This Berlin-based solo project, which emerged from a home studio, retains the essence of traditional ’90s black metal but presents a deeply personal and introspective sound. The opening track, “Harvest of the Fallen Sun”, establishes an ominous tone for the EP. The guitar work maintains relentless intensity through raw and sorrowful melodies that depict a grim vision of autumn. The measured ceremonial tempo of this piece creates an atmosphere of mourning as daylight fades away. The vocals sound far away and spectral, as though they are reverberating from a long-lost history.
“The Season of the Withering Flame” explodes with wild energy which reflects summer’s relentless heat. The drumming maintains its relentless intensity while the riffs sweep through like consuming fires. The music pulses with aggressive energy as it battles against unavoidable fate while deep-seated hopelessness remains present. “The Awakening Earth’s Veins” introduces a tonal change that embodies spring’s delicate vow of rebirth. The melodies have a lighter touch yet carry a sense of sadness because nature appears aware that rebirth lasts just for a moment. The piece’s slow-moving sections create sharp contrasts with intense bursts that reflect change’s unpredictable nature.
“Shroud of the Eternal Night” delivers a devastating conclusion to the EP. The winter brings not peace but an infinite void where all life fades and silence dominates. Through its chilling intensity and unyielding nature, this song perfectly embodies death’s subtle yet powerful hold. The eerie silence that follows the guitar music leaves the listener in a haunting stillness that lasts long after the final note fades away. ‘The Fourfold Descent’ presents an emotionally intense and atmospheric experience for listeners. This EP showcases Ungoliath’s precise depiction of nature’s harsh cycles which makes it essential listening for enthusiasts of intense black metal.
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