Equimanthorn - Exalted Are The Seven Throne Bearers of Ninnkigal LP

Equimanthorn - Exalted Are The Seven Throne Bearers of Ninnkigal LP
$15.00

Ambient music has three trivial approaches (into the metal scene, at least) - noisy, horror-esque samples, accompanied by a minimalist and one-dimensional music line (as most); epic trends aka dungeon synth (Munruthel, Wojnar...); and the one that really emerges musicianship through folk elements (Lord Wind's latest efforts, Nest...). The early era of Equimanthorn followed the first frame, moreover was all improvised, and later evolved to ethnic music (while still maintaining the ritualistic ambient purpose) performed with a myriad of instruments. It is all so very precise and brightly played, what could be explained by the additions of such great musicians from King Diamond, Melechesh, Zemial along obviously with the guys from Absu, which are the masterminds of the project. But actually things are not what they seem. The real responsible for the improvements is the enigmatic and "unknown" Ekimmu Abstractum (Mark Riddick, imo), main songwriter since Second Sephira Cella.

Exalted Are the 7 Throne Bearers of Ninnkigal picks up where Second Sephira Cella left off. Lots of unconventional and vintage instruments lay down an organic delivery that contrasts with the modern, yet wise vision provided by some effects and synth. The first track is a collaboration between Proscriptor and Moloch, former Melechesh fellas, and brings that kind of Middle Eastern feeling explored by Melechesh, but without electric guitar or harsh vocal, setting the tone for the rest of the album. Just as the solo project of Karl Sanders is like Nile without metal, this album and its predecessor are like Melechesh without metal. The difference is that the virtuosity plays an important role in the Karl Sanders' music, even restrained in his ambient work (check out Whence No Traveler Returns, Luring the Doom Serpent, Contemplate This on the Tree of Woe...), while Equimanthorn is more introspective and darker. But projects are similar anyway.

Ekimmu absorbed so well the two Equimanthorn's sides - the Equitant's dark ambient one and the Middle Eastern-influenced tune brought by Proscriptor. And the result found on When Seven Came Unto the Fundament, When Seven Showed Their Faces- Reprise, Who Is the Great King? and When Five Appeared in Mists and Gathered the First and Seventh (this one presents typical middle eastern vocals) is pretty damn cool! The two last songs composed by Equitant, as always, are synth-oriented and it worked for an apotheotic grand finale, sounding like a John Carpenter movie. These songs are beautifully terrifying and some of the best songs that Equitant has composed. I hate monotonous shit, but Irkalla... got me hooked because it has a sneaky progression. And the end of the last song, The Submissive Myth Genesis of Mirror Waters Rising, is exciting as hell. What superb keys!

All in all, this is the best Equimanthorn album so far, period. Exalted... finds itself in a specific niche, but it no matter. The band had one goal and it was achieved with praise. According to Proscriptor on booklet: "...such synthesis has transpired in order to create an authentic portrait of pure ritual magic(k)." So... That's what you have here, trust me. Unfortunately Ekimmu and Proscriptor left the band and Equimanthorn have returned to the by-the-book dark ambient, but more interesting than earlier works. - Metal Archives

Pressing Information

Shaytan Productions. White LP. Limited to 250. 2015