Deathless Light

Cut from the same cloth as orthodox black metal groups Ondskapt, Katharsis, and Watain, Ascension unleashed hell upon the world with their 2010 debut Consolamentum. Shrouded in a veil of secrecy, the identities of the enigmatic group is kept in the dark, although the late LSK (Hell Militia, Secrets Of The Moon, Antaeus) contributed to the debut. Although breaking little new ground, Consolamentum stands as a fine piece of black metal. Four years later Ascension are slated to return with a new album, with the two track EP Deathless Light serving as a grim taste.

Opening with furious intensity, the title track “Deathless Light” is taken from the upcoming full length The Dead Of The World. The incessant darkness unfolds at breakneck speed, before giving way to extensive soloing. Fire and brimstone rains down as the band showcase their remarkable songwriting skills, performed with expert tightness and wrapped in a production that gives Watain a run for their money. Despite their cult status, Ascension give off an air of cold professionalism that has the double-edged effect of penning memorable songs, while veering a little too close to sterility.

Breaking away from the furor of its predecessor, “Garden Of Stone” is a melancholic and deliberate piece. Crushing in its atmosphere of despair, the track trudges along with the drums marking the only real sense of momentum. Vocals are restrained and kept to a minimum, a mere whisper against the bleak instrumental background. Again a mounting solo creates the sensation of grandeur, transcending the bare-boned limitations of depressive black metal with a nod to the majestic incantations of Dissection.

As an inaugural calm before the storm, Deathless Light holds promise of great things to come. It’s difficult to judge a band on a mere 15 minutes of music, but Ascension seem to continue on their dark path with considerate skill and passion. If The Dead Of The World keeps up this level of quality, the coming months look very dark indeed.


Written for The Metal Observer