Crank this to 8.9 of 11
Released: 2018
Genre: Black Metal
Sounds Like: Bathory, Opeth
Two deeply rooted Minnesota metal acts coming together to paint a majestic black metal journey. 20 minutes featuring some of the most impressive black metal contrast we have heard in a long time. Harkening us back to the early Opeth days, this collaboration blends beauty and fear. Tanner Swenson delivers some heartfelt acoustical melodies that drive the heart of this album. Gathering II has you yearning for more as the two acts unite effortlessly where black metal is the backbone, but progressive metal fretwork shines through.
Track Listing:
1. A Demonstation (7:16) - Oak Pantheon
2. Tanequil (4:33)- Both acts
3. Now Enters Dusk (7:36) - Amiensus
Standout Track:
We will go the politically neutral route with "Tanequi," the joint effort while the shortest of the lot provides some stellar harmonies and we appreciate the diverse vision within the track. Fact of the matter is that the EP will be in rotation start to finish seamlessly. Difficult to play midstream tracks on this one as it really holds up well for the 20 minute duration.
Adult Beverage Pairing:
We highly recommend Bent Paddle Brewing’s (Minnesota) Barrel-Aged Double Shot Double Black Ale is loaded with cold press and two doses of whole Madagascar vanilla beans. Topped with aging the beer for 15 months in bourbon barrels. This fucker backs a black metal punch at 11.2% ABV. Not only from the vicinity of both bands, but brewed in oak barrels, makes this one a perfect match.
ROTATION RECAP:
Captivation and Variety
8.5 out of 11
Weight of the Heavy
9.0 out of 11
Vocal Prowess
8.7 out of 11
Fretwork Prowess
9.0 out of 11
Percussion Prowess
8.7 out of 11
Overall Album Flow
8.9 out of 11
Contrast
9.5 out of 11
Album Cover Aesthetics
8.9 out of 11
Production Value
8.8 out of 11
Band Members:
Tanner Swenson - Guitar & Vocals (A Demonstration, Tanequil)
Sami Sati - Vocals (A Demonstration, Tanequil)
James Benson - Vocals (Tanequil, Now Enters Dusk); Guitar (Now Enters Dusk)
Alec Rozsa - Keyboard & Guitar (Now Enters Dusk)
Todd Farnham - Bass (All tracks)
Chris Piette - Drums (All tracks)
Final Thoughts:
Gathering II is a very patient and beautiful EP. 20 minutes of majestic contrast make this a must for black metal fans, as the Minnesota collaboration provide such complimentary vision. Put this one in heavy rotation and dig up some of those old Opeth endeavors.