ARX ATRATA

The Path Untravelled SELF-RELEASED

Searing solo UK artist puts the edge back into post-black metal

The compositional drama of post-black metal has mostly been lost due to too many bands using postrock’s slow builds and crescendos in generic ways and just chucking blasts on top. Arx Atrata’s British multi-instrumentalist,

Ben Sizer, still understands how this blend of styles can create captivating works, and on album three he has grown into a really talented composer. He avoids typical pitfalls by refusing to reduce the harsher aspects for atmosphere, so the intensity and razor-sharp melodicism of Swedishsourced black metal (Dawn, Vinterland, Sacramentum) together with earthy and impactful Cascadian/uk influences, often pierce through delicate ambience in stunning ways. ■■■■■■■■■■

FOR FANS OF: Dawn, Agalloch, Winterfylleth DEAN BROWN