Wolves in the Throne Room
Two Hunters

Release Date: 2007 | Tracklist

Eight years after this exquisite album’s release and Wolves In The Throne Room still remain rooted in the underground metal scene. Perhaps that’s where they belong? Deep in the caves of Washington they observe the works of other bands with apathy while waiting for the right time to strike any prey with their own music. In their patience and secrecy the very music they create has a predatory tone too it. Determined and fixated, Wolves In The Throne Room attack you with a rabid ferocity that is not matched by any other known black metal bands. Even the sheer title of “Two Hunters” embraces its animalistic temperament.

'Dia Artio' sets a perfect divine tone to the album as oceanic waves of ambience glide around intermittent drum beats and twinkling guitar harmonics. These sublime elements are distinctly black metal however it showcases the band play by their own rules and their own celestial manner. The first onslaught begins a cohesive black metal stampede. ‘Vastness And Sorrow’ lashes out with terrifying rage as the Weaver brothers screech above a sonic wall of pounding drums and bombardment of tremolo guitar increases the level of grandiosity in his deathly lyrics. It’s a long song, standing at 12 minutes long; however there are no moments of apathy within as the dynamics of the song shift into different fast paced structures. With most atmospheric black metal, the crescendos are centralised around subtle changes in speed or inclusion of instruments; with ‘Vastness And Sorrow’ the focus is “play fast or play faster”. The swirling speed of the musicians heightens the majestic tone until they reach an imposing climax for the last minute of the song that leaves you breathless and practically emotionally-compromised.

In the name of progression, Wolves in The Throne Room are not afraid to experiment with new elements. Jessica Kinney’s guest vocals provide an astral atmosphere in ‘Cleansing’ above another interlude of sonic transcendence. It flatters you into a false sense of security and lulls you into the eye of the ensuing chaos. Trembling guitars and blast beating drums introduce themselves once again. The fact there are less riffs in this album allow the brothers to focus on a dominant wall of sound until each instrument is washed away to expose the pulsating chords.

‘I Will Lay Down My Bones Among The Rocks And Roots’ is probably the song that is most in touch with nature. A glimpse of light shatters the bleak music that preceded it. Its not until a direct blast of guitars that you are reminded that Wolves In The Throne Room play metal, not post rock. By mixing synth with raw aggressive music, the duo creates an existential dimension to the song. On one plane is the raw and aggressive tone and on another spectrum is a gentle thrum of meditative ambience. When both collide in a slow- burned climax, the result is a conception of a devouring splendour.

The vigour of ‘Two Hunters’ is its ability to resemble real life and emotion sensations. Each chord is energising yet weakening; every shriek is upsetting or comforting. The soundscapes created map a harmonious yet conflicting setting of ardour and anger.

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4.2 excellent

Rank: #46 for 2007