‘Burning Embers, Forgotten Wolves’ by Autrest
‘Burning Embers, Forgotten Wolves’ by Autrest
Quite possibly (and I mean very possibly) emerging as the album of the year, Autrest has wielded a masterpiece of atmospheric black metal with their new release Burning Embers, Forgotten Wolves. Hailing from Brazil, the solo act has found a way to quickly become one of the best at his craft in a genre filled with talented artists. Atmospheric black metal is overflowing with incredible acts, with a plethora of bands/artists releasing great music each year. Even so, Autrest is easily at the top of the hierarchy of talent within the subgenre.
Burning Embers, Forgotten Wolves is quite literally a work of mystical art. Despite the heaviness and the reality that this is metal music, there is something comforting and peaceful about the entire record. This is music that resonates with the heart and soul in a mysterious way, evoking calm and serenity. In the chaos of extreme metal, Autrest brings a reprieve in the forest of our imaginations.
As Autrest’s Bandcamp page states about the new record, “Now, Burning Embers, Forgotten Wolves builds on that foundation, retaining the atmosphere and emotion of the first album, while embracing a warmer, more textured sound. It’s a step forward in expression, shaped by memory, loss, and quiet transformation.” That is quite an accurate description, albeit a too modest appraisal.
“Ashes from the Burning Embers”, the second song on the album, is an absolutely explosive introduction, with vocals that absolutely chill and haunt the listener. In addition to beautiful atmospheric instrumental elements in the song, there is something in the eeriness that feels like Winter is upon us. “Forgotten Wolves” is another track that mesmerizes and captivates, with beauty, fury, and chants that are reminiscent of a Gregorian chant. Following this is an instrumental track titled “Where Stones Whisper,” a contemplative ballad that proves the sonic range of the artist.
The remainder of the album continues to tell a fantastic musical story of beauty, chaos, and captivation, ending with the weighty “Chasm of Time.” With the end of the album immediately comes the need to start it all over again, as if the last track is the first and the first the last. This is a record that will be on rotation for years to come, without growing tiresome.
Autrest has solidified himself as a master in the atmospheric black metal scene, and that is no easy feat.
You can follow Autrest on Bandcamp, Instagram, and Facebook.
