Album Review: Sylvan Realm - The Lodge of Transcendence

Sylvan Realm [USA]
The Lodge of Transcendence
2011
Full Length
Independent
Black Metal



Featuring numerous high profile musicians in the band including bassist Jason of American black/death metal band Aurora Borealis and drummer Evan who has previously played in depressive black metal band Woe and Woods of Ypres, American black metal band Sylvan Realm joins the ranks of bands like Cormorant and Obsequiae in their quest of producing some of the most psychedelic form of black metal with their debut full length offering, The Lodge of Transcendence.

The folk influences that Sylvan Realm has put in their songwriting is immediately obvious not only through the melodies that are present, but also in the vocal style of band mastermind Sylvan, alternating between black metal shrieks and more folk metal styled shouts, giving a heroic feel to the music at times. The unique melodies that are unleashed at times are reminiscent of the psychedelic, folk style that bands like Obsequiae have in their music like the twin lead guitars on Disappear into the Landscape, and this could very easily be a hit or miss for listeners, with the more adventurous listeners perhaps being more receptive of such unconventional styles. To fit and enhance the atmosphere on the album as well, Sylvan also makes use of various instrumentations such as the acoustic guitars that are present on Disappear into the Landscape, giving an emotional feel to the music.

On The Lodge of Transcendence as well, Sylvan Realm attempts to include some progressive moments, as displayed through the often unexpected transitions between different styles. While this ensures that there is not a single boring moment with the surprises that are put in place, at times this comes across as rather awkward, such as those on opening self-titled track Sylvan Realm slightly affecting the momentum that has been built up. That said though, the constant shift between styles also tests the musicians' versatility, as each of the musicians easily keep up with what's going on around, and this is certainly enjoyable to listen to, and title track The Lodge of Transcendence even includes an extended instrumental section. The constant transition also does not mean that The Lodge of Transcendence is a difficult album to get into. On contrary, the melodic quality of the album, such as the guitar solos that Sylvan unleashes on the album help to make this album an easy and coherent listen despite the seemingly random character of the music.

While the raw production quality on The Lodge of Transcendence does not allow for the superb instrumentation on the album to really shine and is honestly quite a mismatch to the style of music, considering the quality that Cormorant and Obsequiae have indulged in, Sylvan Realm has somehow managed to let it work in their favour, allowing for the raw emotions and energy to be displayed in its full glory. For example, Sylvan's strained vocals alternate between tortured shrieks and cries of pleas, fitting to the mood of the music at any point in time, and it is factors such as these that make The Lodge of Transcendence an enjoyable experience.

Sylvan Realm on the internet:
Facebook
MySpace

©2012 Heavy Metal Tribune | Hong Rui