Rating: 8.5 / 10 Stars
DAWNWALKER is: Mark Norgate (vocals, guitars), Dane Cross (bass, vocals), Alastair Mitchell (drums), Siân Alexandra Fawcett (vocals), Elaine Round (flute), Matteo Bianciotto (additional guitar), Bella Band (additional flute).
REVIEW – Dawnwalker’s genre-defining album ‘Human Ruins’ has been re-released in an expanded and remastered edition, bringing new life to their innovative style of ‘green metal.’ This edition, remixed by Joe Clayton of No Studio and remastered by Brad Boatright, enhances the original’s raw beauty and emotional intensity, providing listeners with a more refined and immersive experience.
‘Human Ruins’ is an ambitious project that chronicles a year-long journey through ancient landscapes, seamlessly blending the cycles of nature with mythical storytelling and lunar phases. According to Mark Norgate, the band aimed to capture the essence of the changing seasons, the perpetual dance of night and day, and the mystical allure of flora and fauna. The album is a voyage through contrasting states of serenity and fear, capturing the awe of natural beauty and the lurking dread of the unknown.
Musically, the album is a rich tapestry woven from various influences, ranging from the quirky British prog and indie vibes of bands like Comus and King Crimson to the moody aesthetics of US atmospheric black metal and European doom. This eclectic mix results in a sound that is both unique and familiar, reflecting the album’s thematic focus on the lush diversity and colors of the British Isles. Written during a decade marked by political bleakness, the album emerges as a vibrant rebellion against the era’s grey and isolating atmosphere.
Each track in the album is a unique exploration of these themes, showcasing Dawnwalker’s ability to fuse different musical elements into a cohesive and captivating whole. The expanded and remastered edition promises to enhance these qualities, bringing out the subtleties and depth of the band’s musical expression. From the gentle acoustic passages that evoke the tranquility of nature’s quiet moments to the explosive energy of black metal that captures the raw power of natural forces, ‘Human Ruins’ offers a multifaceted and deeply engaging listening experience.
In conclusion, the re-release of ‘Human Ruins’ is a significant event for fans of Dawnwalker and green metal. It reaffirms the band’s status as innovators in the genre and showcases their commitment to creating music that is both reflective and responsive to the world around them. This album is not just a collection of songs; it’s a narrative journey through the beauty and mystery of the natural world, a celebration of the cycles that govern our existence, and a testament to the enduring power of music to capture and express the deepest human experiences.
For more information on DAWNWALKER, visit:
www.Dawnwalker.uk
Dawnwalker.bandcamp.com
www.Facebook.com/DawnwalkerUK
www.instagram.com/DawnwalkerUK
