It has been unusually rainy this season. It is during those rainy days that I listen to atmospheric black metal. One such band I have taken a liking to is named Arkheron Thodol. They formed in Montana in 2012, just as atmospheric black metal was getting popular. They released their first full-length album, Thaw, in 2017, but it’s their latest release, Rituals of the Sovereign Heart, that I want to focus on today, for this is one of those rare metal albums that has a profound spiritual quality.
Given their close proximity to Cascadia, it’s no surprise that they would sound similar to Cascadian black metal bands. The production has that slightly cloudy quality that creates a rich atmosphere while also letting the finer details shine through. The drum patterns are pretty standard for the genre. Rapid blast beats are frequently broken up slower, simpler patterns. More intricate displays and fills are occasionally thrown in to spice things up. However, it’s their delivery that makes them remarkable, for Shiloh McBee possesses fantastic endurance and skill. He especially knows how to make the slow sections engaging.
Both the bass and vocals are handled by Kelly Elfstrom. His bass performance mostly follows the guitars, but there are moments when the low-pitched riffs stand out more and give the music a sense of wonder and mystery. His vocals consist of a hoarse scream that blend into the other elements of the music, making him sound like a nature spirit calling out to the listener. Keyboardist Seth Francis provides various flourishes ranging from the soft piano keys of “A Glimpse of Woven Light” to the dreamy xylophone tapping of “Animist Elixir”.
The guitars are played by Tanner Erhart and Mycah Tippit. Their fast-paced tremolo riffs have that warm, natural sound that is a hallmark of Cascadian black metal. They then set themselves apart from their peers by making their riffs much more technical. They draw influence from progressive metal to create wondrous and engaging musical passages that make you feel like you’re traversing through the spiritual realm. When the music slows down, they play calm clean chords that create a more somber mood. A strong sense of melody flows throughout the album, from the graceful riffs on the first song to the uplifting solo in the final two minutes of the last song.
Rituals of the Sovereign Heart is a metal album that came straight from the heart. It is a passionate work of art created by talented men with a clear vision and a strong spirit. It has a level of authenticity that is rare in the modern world. It is also one of those albums that gets better with repeated listens, not just because it has incredible songwriting and instrumental work, but because it resonates with the listener on a spiritual level. That was certainly the case with me.