Once again we go to the musically rich country of Sweden for The Northern Sanctuary, the latest Century Media release from the duo known as Witherscape. The band is comprised of one Dan Swano (vocals, drums, keyboards) and Ragnar Widerberg (guitars, bass), the former a legendary figure on the metal scene for decades due to his association as either a performer or producer with acts such as Edge of Sanity, Bloodbath, Nightingale, Opeth, and many more. Witherscape is an interesting project, not one you can easily pin a tag on due to their music frequently dipping into death metal, power metal, progressive metal, and melodic rock styles, often within each song. Swano has long been one of the most underrated vocalists in metal, whether it be his monstrous growls in Edge of Sanity or melodic clean vocals in Nightingale, and he uses both to great effect here. "Wake of Infinity" kicks things off in grand fashion, as death metal meets melodic rock, Swano's death growls combat his soaring melodic passages, with symphonic keyboards supporting some terrific riffs from Widerberg. A similar approach is taken on the wonderful "In the Eyes of Idols", and the more progressive "Rapture Ballet" is filled with churning arrangements that feature some spectacular guitar & keyboard exchanges. Swano and his piano take center stage on the gorgeous "The Examiner", but before you get too settled into what seems like a lovely ballad, the crushing metal riffs and evil growls kick in for a complete about face. Nothing like keeping the listener on their toes! This is pretty much the pattern you get throughout the album, Witherscape intent on keeping you guessing as what is to come next throughout other stellar tracks like "Divinity", "Marionette", and "God of Ruin". The epic, near 14-minute title track is as majestic as it gets, sort of like a mix of Nightingale styled hook laden melodic rock and the more progressive leanings of late period Edge of Sanity, featuring gorgeous keyboard soundscapes and a myriad of vocal styles.
I don't mean to overlook the contributions of Widerberg on this album, as he certainly delivers some sizzling solos and crunchy riffs, but Swano is the real attention grabber throughout The Northern Sanctuary. The guy is such a major talent, and he's on full display in a big way here. Highly recommended album folks!
Track Listing
1. Wake Of Infinity (04:38)
2. In The Eyes Of Idols (03:58)
3. Rapture Ballet (04:25)
4. The Examiner (05:03)
5. Marionette (04:37)
6. Divinity (03:02)
7. God Of Ruin (05:32)
8. The Northern Sanctuary (13:44)
9. Vila I Frid (01:54)
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