Nobis Quoque Peccatoribus...

Up next is a slice of war black metal with intent on actual bodily harm, the interludes certainly suggest a war theme, with the sirens ringing out over a dense atmosphere created by the ever present bass section that aligns much of the soundscapes and fuses it together with the funeral parade and the marching of the living dead. This piece could be considered metaphorical in its interpretation of black metal. Its definitely interesting enough, given its surface feel of chaos and underlying complexities that are rife throughout. The band project this metaphorical feel largely in the keyboards, which is exciting since black metal of this kind, aggressive and fast, usually relies heavily on the guitars instead. As will be discussed further later, the funerary approach is one that intrigues and I can imagine it delighting too. The keyboards are almost solely responsible for this sound which, at times, can also remind me specifically of a certain Lunar Aurora. Ancient Skin were unknown to me a few weeks ago and I still cannot recall how I managed to stumble upon them. Then again, when it comes to black metal, I will seriously check anything out.

This oddity of the black metal genre is a bit different to what one would normally expect to hear when listening to challenging war machines like this. First of all, this band has a very unique style of displaying their aggressive tendencies. Despite the repetition stance on percussion when it comes to furious blast beats of a double bass variety, Ancient Skin’s drummer does implement some variation into his play which often reminds me of another chaotic black metal band who’s astral projections have earned them a very positive reputation amongst fans and critics alike - Lunar Aurora. Even the sound of the drums is similar to that of the German ambient masters. This isn’t exactly what I’d call textbook, but it seems to take influence from bands like Lunar Aurora, specially on drums and creating complex atmospherics with keyboards and a hollow bass that is audible throughout. The bass and keyboards often combine even to produce a funerary sound, much like that of your typical funeral doom band. Despite this, there is no doubts as to what genre Ancient Skin abide by, this is pure demonic black metal with a twist upon the old school sound that was inherited from the punk division of music.

Bands like this inherited their style from a mixture of the first and second waves, whilst introducing that familiar experimental third wave touch, which we’re currently in at this precise moment in time. The future of this band is very much in the balance, it would seem. I don’t consider myself an active follower of the band, as this is only the second or third time I’ve listened to this debut full-length, ‘Nobis Quoque Peccatoribus…’. Regardless of what the future may hold, the present certainly seems pleasing enough on the eye. I can see a fair amount of old school hippies and modern day hipsters buying into this record and this band given their approachable and aggressive sound. Some might even suggest that being metaphysically beaten in the face so hard like this has never felt so good. Masochistic and sadistic, Ancient Skin have a knack for producing volatile soundscapes that are spat at by the vocalist, who screams with a certain onomatopoeic hiss, as opposed to the typical rasps. His vocals are more inclined to the death genre than the black, but they suit the style nevertheless, especially alongside the influential bass lines that sound more aggressive than the guitars! ‘Dark Clouds’ is a good example of that as the bass leads much of the song alongside the keyboards. These two elements work in constant patterns alongside one another, forging a relationship that lasts the short duration of the record well.

There is a feeling that the record is too short, but given the style of non-stop berserk action, this may actually be a positive thing since this style can become tedious over long and sustained periods of time if there are no redeeming factors. Having said that, Ancient Skin, like fellow Italian band Melencolia Estatica, use bass to their advantage which keeps it from ever becoming annoying, or tedious to the point that the listener is willing to escape the disjointed mess. Production wise, this record is tight and professionally composed. The production gives a bit too much emphasis on the double bass, which can act as a set back when the bass and keyboards are trying ever so hard, with dignity amidst the chaotic sound, to portray a sound not afraid to admit ambiance to the party. The drums are the serial let down, despite the Lunar Aurora feel, which is a huge disappointment. I would have expected more from a band trying to imitate the Lunar Aurora feeling of astral, or oceanic projections giving a feel of vast space and time, eternity opening and swallowing us whole. Aside from minor issues with the production, the drums and the lacklustre guitars (well, in comparison to the bass and keyboards), this effort is decent enough.