Aurvandil – Yearning

Releasedate: 11-07-2011; Label: Eisenwald
By: Sabine van Gameren

Aurvandil is a French Black Metal formation that formed in 2006. A long list of small releases follows, but eventually the guys have made a full length called: “Yearning” and it is out now.

So the guys are French, you would not give them that at first when listening the music. It is cold, cold as ice like you find up in the north of Europe. The crisping sound of northern lights often influencing the bands from there have found its way to France as well. “Yearning” is an album that has a bit of an old sound, the beauty of it lays in the synths that bring an atmospheric touch to the sound. Maybe there is a little wink to be found towards the ambient but it never comes too close there, it is a peaceful collaboration between the blackest metal and this atmospheric ambient sound. Tempo changes bring the tensions but the guitars play a major role in that as well. As little remark to make it may be said that a bit more modern production could have given the album somehow a little more fury and passion, but the way it is now has its charm as well.
“Yearning” will be played some more for sure, it is not album you put away easily as it has various gorgeous moments. That many releases may follow from them.

Tracklist: 01.Yearning – Prelude 02.End of an age 03.Reign of ice I 04.A guide to norhtern scape 05.Walking – Interlude 06.I summon scorn 07.Reign of ice II 08.Gylfi’s journey 09.Reaching – Finale

Links:
Aurvandil Official