Released on: 5th May
The second the first riff blasts through the airwaves this album demands attention. When they say that correlation is not causation, in this case it can be guaranteed that the melody is the culprit. The album– its name Ancient Arts, and its artists– Dawn of Existence.
Dawn of Existence are a duo. Who officially formed in 2017. After a couple of years, in 2019, they released a demo. The demo set the foundation for this, their debut album. And, while the band may appear green this material is ripe and so, so sweet. The tracks have been given time to mature, develop and they, like the musicians behind them, are clearly experienced.
As was previously alluded to, there is a very concentrated effort to incorporate melodies into the extreme grind of heavy music here. Where Dawn of Existence move in modes like the transformers in busy traffic. Transporting the leads as they diverge through a solid base of rhythms and extreme beats. It invokes the spirit of virtuosity, primarily on the guitar. But, there are some exceptionally groovy synth parts that compliment the overall tone of the tracks they appear in.
Ancient Arts, is an exciting introduction to Votan and Astors’ bright take on history and futurism; science and ritual. And, while it may appear reliant on hooks there is a lot of substance behind its licks and lunges. Overall: a class act that needs to be heard.
8/10
