Shadow Knell features members of medieval punk band Poison Ruïn, and is a mystical, mournful, and doom-laced synth fantasy that echoes from dungeons deep and forests eternal. Shadow Knell release their latest self-titled album this month which has warped and woozy orchestral arrangements that serve as the murky soundtrack to untenable evocations, obscure dreams of grim grandeur, faded memories of the sublime.
The album opens with `Intone` which really means to utter something in singing tones or in monotone. A spectral instrumental that feels like an awakening, a kind of coming to life. There is a sort of pageant like perception to `Procession` which feels as if it`s an announcement of something quite important to follow.
`Out From Hiding` has that aura of somebody who has been secreted away and is tentatively emerging from the wilderness. There does appear to be a faded beauty about `Diminished Reflection` a tender expressive musing.
`The Briar Harp` is a brief wilderness or woodland folk like spiritual aria. We enjoy a mysterious shadowy journey with `Bell Umbra` which has an almost regal feel at times.
`Arcane Discovery` does have that sense of something concealed has been exposed and found in a clandestine method. It has some subdued howls which adds more mystery to the narrative. The album closes out with `Night River` which has suppressed drum march / beat like cadence and does feel as if you`re on an aquatic journey or trek.
Shadow Knell is a contemplative and ruminative composition and I read that the music is definitely meant to guide the listener into a ‘spiritual’ headspace which I have to say it definitely does. It does have a meditative vibe and could certainly be an addition to the technique of mindfulness.
I`m sure we`ll all take something different away from this absorbing submission.
Rating 8/10
