Register Forgot login?

© 2002-2025
Encyclopaedia Metallum

Privacy Policy

Caoimhín > The Age of Wolves > Reviews > EsotericSpiritCan
Caoimhín - The Age of Wolves

Curiosity? - 80%

EsotericSpiritCan, October 6th, 2020

What can be so well-done about an EP with only two songs? In the case of The Age of Wolves, it is Caoimhin’s yin and yang effect of one song that’s mostly atmospheric, followed by a second song with more obvious black metal elements. Descriptions such as “groundbreaking”, “unheard of”, “extraordinary”, or “never been done before” are certainly not the case with The Age of Wolves. However, there are a lot of things that are successful.

The mezzo-soprano vocals over the aggressive instruments which are combined with atmospheric keyboards demonstrate the band’s skill at proportion. Balance is, also, in check. When the EP transitions from the atmospheric “Vidarr” into the aggressive “Nidhoggr”, it is done smoothly without any abrupt moments. It’s as if the first track foreshadows the aggression that is to come.

Lack of originality certainly affects this EP, though, and starting from its cover. From the first glance at the fog and hill, one can automatically tell that there is nothing here that’s never been done before. Neo-folk elements, clean vocals singing with harsh, black metal screams, and the exploring of concepts of which several bands in the past have visited before. But, with a fresher lens, that experience might be enjoyable.

One thing that deserves to be noted is the drums on the EP. Especially on “Nidhoggr”, they are very consistent with the guitars, and they help with expressing the song’s aggression. The emotions of yearning and dwelling are made quite clear with this technique.

How the two songs are aging is another notable point. The Age of Wolves is already three years old, but the two songs still sound fresh and not recycled. What this band needs to consider in the future is something unique to add to their quality of musicianship. Perhaps, an uncommon folk instrument, an ancient and unused mantra, or something to make them stand out of their “atmospheric/neo-folk black metal” label.

For listeners who are looking for this type of underground music but with a much fresher feel, Caoimhin certainly exceeds expectations. As for those who are searching for something extremely unique, this EP is bound to disappoint. Think of it as Gehenna meets Draconian. It clearly will depend on the direction that the individual listener is coming from. Both, though, can agree on one particular thing: the curiosity of where will Caoimhin go with their sound in the future. Will they become more aggressive and conform to a typical, second-wave black metal sound, or, will their atmospheric and melodic elements take them in a whole new direction? Only time will tell.