Review: Rampancy – Where the Sun of the Future Rises (Full album, 2023) | Black metal

https://youtu.be/Xcz5CLP6Ypk

Band info

Band: Rampancy

Album: Where the Sun of the Future Rises

Released: November 1st, 2024.

Genre: epic, melodic black metal

Location: London, Canada.

Review

Three years ago, ABMN was introduced to Rampancy, a solo Canadian project hosted by Oculus Tod, a musician with one of the longest “See also” lists of bands in the whole Encyclopaedia Metallum. Previously known as Anti-Freeze, from 2009 until 2006, it then became Rampancy and ever since 2007, there has been a consistent rhythm of releases in the shape of splits, EPs, and full lengths; except for the last three years. This one isn’t their only currently active project, but today we are listening to its return: ‘Where the Sun of the Future Rises‘, a new chapter.

For context’s sake, let’s rewind to remember – in short – how we defined 2021’s EP ‘Above All Tyrants‘: “a harsh raw entity with brilliant and dark atmospheres“. And an antifascist theme. What’s new then with ‘WTSOTFR‘? The most obvious difference is the production. The rawness prevails, but it all sounds much clearer than previous offerings, and the voice has a bigger presence in the mix’ front and is not as processed, and the drum’s sound is much more natural. Necessary changes for the next audible turn: a small genre switch.

Oculus‘ black metal has always been spiked with other musical influences but has always kept a straightforward reach whether it was a black and roll track or angry raw black metal. That essence is still there, but it has a lot more weight on the compositions this time around. This is why ‘Where the Sun of the Future Rises‘ has an epic and war feel that the artist describes as “the sounds of war horns and triumph”.

While we will find pure melodic and epic black metal in songs like “Rise of Man” or “No Peace” – two of this writer’s favourite pieces – we have songs like “Resistance” with an initial post-punk rock-doom vibe that’s broken by blast beats, and “Vanity” with heavy metal infused guitars. Thash metal, and death metal influences will pop up more from “Solaris” onwards, raising that battlefield sentiment with a somehow empowering approach, always reaching out for epicness and melody. “Spears of the God” is another strong contender as it gathers most of the ingredients shown through the album, including keyboards. As well as the rightful end of the album, the fifteenth song, “On the Edge of a Blade“, with a folkier approach and yet one more track that pushes you to raise your arms and fists.

All in all, a powerful experience. Musically, and because “‘Where the Sun of the Future Rises‘ is dedicated in solidarity with the ever-present global struggle for liberation, autonomy, and freedom.” We expect and hope to hear and enjoy more Rampancy soon.

Band info

Review

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