Canadian quartet Anciients have the art of progressive metal finely tuned to their disposal and debut opus Heart Of Oak is definitive of their musical efforts. The songs take on a fresh angle, instead of using the old tried and tested formulas. As far as refinement and arrangements are concerned, they’d give bands such as Mastodon and Opeth a run for their money with masterpieces ‘Raise The Sun’ and ‘Overthrone’.
The fine balance between sludge metal inspired groove and roughness teamed with the intelligence and elegance of progressive metal is what really makes Anciients unique from every other band in this genre. It’s a fine line to walk, but these guys pull it off with style and grace. The entire record’s track listing is a lesson in well crafted song writing and superb musicianship.
This will be a tough listen and is longer than the average album, so it’s not for the faint of heart! However, given the chance to grace the ears of anyone with a penchant for adventurous and sharply constructed sludge/southern metal who isn’t frightened by a healthy splash of progressiveness will have an album of the year on their hands. Listen and be awed.
8.5/10
Raymond Westland