Ancient Ascendant - Into The Dark
After catching their pummelling set at Bloodstock this year, I was more than eager to get home and spread the word on the Reading quartet's latest EP. Having obviously learned a thing or two from influential producer Dan Swano and grabbed a handful of influences along the way, Ancient Ascendant emerge out of the depths with a storming EP that sets new standards for British death metal.
With the production as crisp as you could hope for and with some much improved songwriting, Into The Dark is an unexpected yet welcome surprise. The Veil eases in with a brooding acoustic number reminiscent of heavyweight Swedes Opeth, although by the time Blood Calls kicks in, I'm shoved unceremoniously into Bloodbath territory; the death metal stakes instantly upped with unreserved urgency. Stand-out track Driven By The Dark (for which the band have just released a video) is as catchy as it is face-melting, and has the potential to become a modern death metal anthem. The musicianship on display here is first class, not least including Alex Butler's impressive vocals as he switches effortlessly between low and high-pitched growls. Casting The Shroud Aside and Under Ancient Stone are a duo of death metal leviathans that end the EP just as solidly as it began, and already I want more.
Having already supported Bolt Thrower by personal request and shared stages with the likes of 1349 and Aborted, the future certainly looks bright for Ancient Ascendant. After such a successful year last year with the release of impressive debut album The Grim Awakening as well as grabbing a record deal, 2012 looks to be the year that begins their ascent to the big leagues. Into The Dark is technically impressive without sounding convoluted, and possesses a focus on songwriting that is breathtaking for a band who are still classed as up-and-coming. This is death metal the way it should be: fresh, intelligent, and genuinely uncompromising. With bands like this in our midst, British heavy metal continues to look all the stronger. Stand aside all pretenders, Ancient Ascendant are rising.