For What Once Was...

The US black metal scene is over-saturated with un-endearing and artificial replica's. It's hard to find any band doing anything truly unique or groundbreaking. While Bothildir isn't necessarily breaking the symphonic black metal mold, what you will find here is efficiency and a sincere effort. A nod to both old and new black metal, if you will, but at the same time being ever so creative and mindful of not being just a simple stereotype or copycat.

With most music scenes come hierarchies, politics and backstabbing. Basically, they are microcosms of society. I think sometimes musicians do much better when left to their own devices -to develop their own sounds and ideas in situ. Bothildir is currently (and perhaps perpetually?) a one-man band. Ardroth is a remarkable musician and with this album he shows that he's capable of crafting together fine intelligible black metal art all on his own. Every instrument and piece of music is written and performed solely by him. Truly remarkable. Vocals (which are also done by Ardroth of course) varies between excellent harsh shrieks and some occasional but few clean vocal parts. Musically you will find in "For What Once Was..." a good balanced mix between raw and clean black metal with a lot of classical influences. Most of the songs are quick tempo but Ardroth never makes the mistake of plodding along straightly through. He creates some interesting dynamics by changing tempo and intensity, weaving interesting melodies into heavy, flowing songs. There's a good deal of keys played throughout this album and the synth weaves very atmospheric epos with very varying motions and feelings. And you will also find somber passages throughout the album filled with acoustics and keys. Definitely this all adds up to create a good album that has plenty of variety.

Lyrical content, album art and overall atmospherical tones of the album convey a great sense of nature. Nature plays a key-influence of what Bothildir is about and is represented in a very thought-provoking contemplative way. From a qualitatively high-standing album, the following tracks have to be brought to attention: "Dominion", "Atrocities of Mankind" and "With Luciferian Pride". Those right away are in my opinion the best of the album. However, where everything is on a stationary high niveau, I just want to emphasize the greatness of the rare song "A Mist on the Hills" which unfortunately is only found on limited editions of "For What Once Was...". With its beautiful structures, acoustic guitars, clean vocals and very original addition of a guest cellist, this is something you likely won't hear very often. If anything, I would have to say it reminds me somewhat of Agalloch, old Ulver and perhaps Woods of Ypres. I can only wonder if this is perhaps a preview or sign of what's to come musically with Bothildir. It definitely is intriguing.

In any case, those whom enjoy black metal (be it traditional or avant-garde, old or new) would be wise to discover Bothildir.

- Gory Rory