Wolves in the Throne Room

Although Diadem of 12 Stars oozes the murkiness (and epically long songs) of ambient black metal, rhythmically and melodically the record breaks away from the hypnotic surge associated with other, more atmospheric bands. Wolves in the Throne Room perform a surprisingly upbeat, folk-infused variant of black metal, acoustic vocals and a feminine croon occasionally softening the album’s harsh and fierce momentum. Diadem of 12 Stars wanders through a soundscape of ominous gloom and airy twilight, its steady flow smoothing its abrupt shifts in pace, mood and texture. What the long meandering songs lack in focus they make up for in intensity and a primeval power befitting the band’s name, successfully avoiding symphonic pomposity.