Wolves in the Throne Room: BBC Session 2011 Anno Domini is a special release from WITTR's record label Southern Lord Records, recorded at the BBC's Maida Vale studios. Where hundreds of classical, contemporary, and popular music acts were recorded for Britain's biggest media outlet.
I like Wolves In The Throne Room (WITTR). I first heard their album Two Hunters and then Diadem of 12 Stars, I was really into their sound. Researching more about them, I really liked what WITTR was about as well. Appreciation and preservation for nature and self sustenance. That is how I was first introduced to the "Cascadian Black Metal" sound. This lead into other bands from the same area and genre.
When I saw them live, it really put into prospective what the band is trying to convey in their music. It was a cold winter day in Stuttgart, Germany when I saw them play. The venue they played at really complemented the set, glass front that allowed you to see the outside falling snow. The room was dark besides a small alter with burning incense . The band came out to a drone of single guitar chords, like a purifying of the air for their “ritual” to begin. They just then played song after song, no pause and the transitions flowed, hallowed and hypnotic.
Listening to WITTR is cleansing, I think, their sound overcomes you and is mesmerizing. Like a primitive ritualistic chant. The slow progressions that build up, then subside, then again build up. It is a wave, speaking to a ancient and primal inner self.
This album tries to capture that essence. The powerful, ritualistic show that WITTR puts on and with two of the most moving songs from their latest album Celestial Lineage. I kind of wish that this album had a little more. WITTR has put out a live album previously (Live at Roadburn 2008) that really captured their energy, but this release was a little short. It seems only a taste of what really makes WITTR, I think, a memorial band.
The beginning opens up with the 'Prayer Of Transformation', which if you haven't heard it, sound just like the title. A drone of chords and slow drumming brings the opening of the rite into a harmonizing focus, progressing into the "transformation". Growling lyrics are the words that invoke an archaic magic.
The album continues with 'Thuja Magus Imperium'. Again a progressive primal song that invokes sprits, specters, and ancient forest beings.
WITTR is a great band, they have a great sound, and I really enjoy all their albums. I highly recommend you sit and listen to this album and even all their past releases. I also highly recommend that if they are playing near you, make the trip to see them live. They will not disappoint.
