LATEST REVIEW: Axis of Light - Northern Ascendancy (EP Review)

The new site is all but complete at this point (I have yet to think of a good name) and what better way to start it off then with a brand new review. Today we take on the 7 minute onslaught for Axis of Lights new EP. Axis of Light are a band from Manchester who play ‘Harsh and unrelenting’ Black Metal, you can visit their bandcamp at axisoflight.co.uk or find the EP I’m reviewing through the Atmospheric Black Metal YouTube channel. This EP is the 4th release by the band since their formation in 2011. The 2 man project has also released another EP, a demo and a split with Death Fortress.

Both tracks in the EP show excellent use of distortion and a good understanding how Raw Black Metal can be used to its full extent. This is evident in the second track ‘Awakening’ which uses audio recordings from what sounds like a speech of some sort; however it is shrouded in the incredibly low-fi sound. The mixing and production saves the album from being inaudible, with the solid guitar riffs being centre stage and all else taking to the background, hardly distinguishable.

The 2 songs that make up this album are short blasts of power and energy that show you the embodiment of the genre. It’s as raw as going up to a cow and taking a bite, although I feel this may be a downfall at some points it plays to its advantage well at other parts. If you love Raw Black Metal, you’ll love this short EP

7.5/10