Hailing from the US the mighty Elegiac returns with their latest ritualistic offering Wolves Chase the Light. Hrukjan’s approach has changed over the years in regards with Elegiac. The production has grown to be cleaner and the song writing more focused, especially on this release. Each track is incredibly tight and just oozes the real essence of black metal. Much of the traits remain though, heavy pagan imagery, melodic and creative riffs, lengthy tracks that don’t get tiring to hear. Each album is a different adventure with each track being different tales for each, and this one is no different.
There’s no wasting time with the start of the album, jumping right into the mix you get your straight forward black metal formula with crunchy guitars, bestial vocals, and fantastic blast beats that really get the head nodding along. There’s something almost nostalgic about these tracks. The really have a sense of earnestness that really makes this for an incredibly charming listen. The pagan imagery feels very genuine here and not just some gimmick like some other bands do. I think that’s partly thanks to the melancholic riffs through out the album, and also for the occasional chanting that comes up every now and then. While the tracks do run rather long, they don’t fall into the trap of repeating the same riff over and over again. There’s enough diversity there that keeps it interesting and engaging but with out losing the fury and simplicity in true black metal style.
Elegiac’s pagan imagery has really grown over the years and has come to a peak with this release. While it was always there, this time its in full force, even so that on the 6th track titled Wodanagaldraz, it is a nearly 7 minute long ritualistic drumming and chanting. While, I did enjoy this and find it interesting, I found it to be placed rather strange spot in the album since right after goes right back into another great black metal track and the album closes out. While, it does sound a little nitpicking, I feel as though the chanting would be much more suited as a closer for the album. But, with that being said, it’s an interesting piece that really got me into a trance. A chant to Wodanaz him self being lead by a voice that is speaking in a language that I can’t place my finger on, but adds a fantastic level of atmosphere.
I found this album very much enjoyable and scratched that black metal itch that can never be satiated. Its an incredibly straight forward and well made black metal with deep pagan roots that are only growing deeper. If there is one draw back that I think would turn people away, and that might be the track lengths, but I found it to be a very enjoyable experience and barely noticed the tracks go by. Each track is truly a tale on its own and this tale is worth hearing.