Ancient Vvisdom - Master Of The Stone (Album Review)

Release Date: 26th January 2024. Record Label: Argonauta Records. Formats: CD/DD

Master Of The Stone - Tracklisting

1. Sold My Soul To Satan

2. The Adversary

3. Apollyon

4. World’s Demise

5. Ashes From On High

6. Master Of The Stone

7. Demon Est Deus Inverses

8. The Devil’s Sermon

Members

Nathan Opposition

Michael Jochum

Review

Master Of The Stone is the new album from Occult Rockers Ancient Vvisdom and their first new album in almost five years. It’s great to see Ancient Vvisdom continuing their relationship with Italian Powerhouse label Argonauta Records for this album. 

The rockers are on fine demented Satanic form with a spellbinding array of Hard Rock, Doom Metal and Stoner Metal grooves that all form dark tales to Lucifer himself which you can tell throughout the album. However, there’s a lot more to Ancient Vvisdom’s music than paying homage to the Lord Of Darkness which advises folks to stay true to themselves whatever their beliefs.

Ancient Vvisdom play a classic style of Acoustic Doom or Acoustic Rock alongside the blistering Heavy Metal sounds that are played on the album. This record has many similarities with their classic debut album A Godlike Inferno with the switching of Acoustic Rhythms and Electric Guitars to great effect.

The opening stages of the album are quite dark and bleak with opening tracks Sold My Soul To Satan and The Adversary setting up the scene which is what we come to expect from Nathan and Michael who form this great band. The lyrics are influenced by the greater Occult and Satanic themes which is part of Ancient Vvisdom’s creative DNA. The instrumental sounds have a lot more Heavy Metal swagger compared to previous releases with moments of Thrash Metal and Groove Metal which gives the record a more THUGGISH sound. This is quite a different sounding Ancient Vvisdom record but there’s a lot of fun to be had amongst the Occult based demonic energy that’s played on the album.

Masters Of The Stone has a more Apocalyptic energy which becomes ever more present as the album marches on through great tracks such as Apollyon, World’s Demise and Ashes From On High. There’s also a warped Psychedelic energy appearing on the heaviest moments of the album which gives a more unsettling feeling to the album.

Ancient Vvisdom show their softer side with their acoustic songs such as World’s Demise which could have easily come from their landmark release A Godlike Inferno. The song is powered along by sublime vocals and an exquisite acoustic guitar which is perhaps more Gothic Doom than Americana. The lyrics are quite subversive that could even describe the horrible events going on in today's world.

Master Of The Stone also features a few guest musicians, Vanek from the band MIDNIGHT does a guest guitar solo on the track Ashes From On High. Matt Sorg from the bands RINGWORM and Shed The Skin does a guest solo on Sold My Soul To Satan and Noah from NUNSLAUGHTER also played guitar on a few tracks as well. This is perhaps the reason why the album is perhaps more HEAVY METAL focused but still remains a wonderful sounding Ancient Vvisodm record in its own right.

The album is on the short side clocking in around thirty minutes but Ancient Vvisdom get the job done in providing the world of Occult Rock and Doom Metal with another exquisite record to satisfy their Demonic and Satanic cravings with. With excellent and rich sounding production values, Ancient Vvisdom are back to reclaim their place as one of the best Occult Rock bands within the scene. 

Welcome back guys. You’ve been missed. Master Of The Stone is an essential release. I’m hoping that Master Of The Stoner is given the vinyl treatment further down the line. As it’s a great record that deserves to be released on vinyl. 

Words by Steve Howe 

Thanks to Grand Sounds Promotion for the promo.

Master Of The Stone will be available to buy on CD/DD via Argonauta Records from January 26th 2024.

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Ancient VVisdom - Mundus (Album Review)

Release date: September 27th 2019. Label: Argonauta Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Mundus – Tracklisting

Human Extinction - 4:14

Plague The Night - 3:11

I Am Everywhere - 2:09

Will To Destroy - 3:17

For The Glory Of The Grave - 7:26

Desensitized - 3:43

Severed Ways - 3:50

Edge Of The Abyss - 3:41

Review

Mundus is the new album from Occult Rock Specialists Ancient VVisdom and sees the band continue their working relationship with Argonauta Records who helped released their last album 33 back in 2017. Mundus sees the band return with a more grown-up and mature sound compared to their previous albums. Their earlier “folk-doom” sound has grown into a more adventurous Doom/Grunge hybrid style of music with elements of Hard Rock and Prog Rock offering a nightmarish vision on certain parts of the album.

I’m going to say this now but this is my favourite Ancient VVisdom yet with the gloomy guitars offering a different side that we haven’t heard from the band. This album sees Ancient VVisdom write some of the heaviest sounds of their career and the song-writing is so damn good and almost poetic especially on the excellent opening song – Human Extinction.

Human Extinction gives you the perfect glimpse on what to expect on Mundus with groove-laiden riffs that flirt between Doom Metal, Hard Rock and elements of Sludge Rock appearing here and there. The vocals from Nathan are bang on form adding a world-weary experience to the band’s overall sound. The sound can be quite claustrophobic in places but it’s an inventive sound that invites listeners into Ancient VVisdom’s dark world.

The album moves at a brisk pace with the following two songs – Plague The Night and I Am Everywhere – which sees traces of their earlier Acoustic Folk Rock sound make a brief appearance especially on Plague The Night. Mundus has a nihilistic feel and maybe too dark for some. However, Ancient VVisdom have never been in the business of writing uplifting songs. It’s not their game and never will be.

Mundus does surprisingly have a few moments of hopeful grooves and vocal passages from the band that will leave you wanting more.

The standout song has to be the 7 minute epic – For The Glory Of The Grave – as the band have more time to fully expand on their trademark sound and try different things as well. The song instantly draws you in with it’s dark themes and narratives and it’s easily up there with some of the best music the band have created to date.

The production is bang-on point and is excellent from start to finish with the band offering their best sounding record to date.

I don’t know what needs to be said about Mundus. It’s a thrilling record that ranks as Ancient VVisdom’s best album to date and it will be good to see where the band go from here in the future. If you’re looking for an Occult Rock/Doom Metal album that dares to be different then look no further. Ancient VVisdom have all bases covered here.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Mona at All Noir PR for the promo. Mundus is available to buy now on CD/DD/Vinyl via Argonauta Records.

Links:

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ANCIENT VVISDOM New Song And Video For HUMAN EXTINCTION

Gloomy Doom/Occult Rockers ANCIENT VVISDOM are at hard at work on preparing their upcoming new album Mundus which will be released later this year via Argonauta Records.

Until then you can check out the different sound the band have been working on with their excellent new single - HUMAN EXTINCTION. This song does have a more classic 70s Doom Rock/Metal sound inspired by bands such as Black Sabbath and Saint Vitus.

I'm looking forward to hearing the new album as I've been a huge fan of these guys since their debut album and they've never disappointed. Check out now.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

ANCIENT VVISDOM - 33 (Album Review)

Release date: October 13th 2017. Label: Argonauta Records (CD) / Magic Bullet Records (DD) / DHU Records (Vinyl). Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

33 – Tracklisting

1.Ascending Eternally

2.Light of Lucifer 02:36

3.In the Name of Satan

4.True Will

5.The Infernal One

6.Summoning Eternal Light

7.Rise Fallen Angel

8.33

9.The Great Beast 04:09

10.Lux

11.Dispelling Darkness

Members

Nathan “Opposition” Jochum - vocals, acoustic guitar, kick drum

Michael Jochum - guitar, back up vocals

Connor Metsker - bass.

Review

Greetings all,

October sees the release of the brand new album from masterful occult rockers Ancient VVisdom entitled 33. I believe this to be the band's fourth record. 33 shows the band in peak form mesmerizing listeners with an unrelenting brand of acoustic/folk occult rock. The band uses a stunning array of styles throughout this album. When listening to Ancient VVisdom you are almost immediately reminded of another occult rock powerhouse. The mighty Ghost, there are some definite similarities between the two, however Ancient VVisdom uses far less theatrics and a more straight forward approach. There is a dare I say almost 90's alt rock feel to many songs on the album.

Ascending Eternally starts off with a brief instrumental piano and drone track. Light of Lucifer opens with a folky guitar swing and is a gravelly sung piece of rock perfection. In the Name of Satan is another acoustic driven track that has a slightly cleaner sound and a definite stomp. True Will is without a doubt one of the best rock songs I have heard in a while. It delivers the bands mantra with one of the most serious ear worms possible. No lie, I have sung this song to myself for weeks with no end in sight. The Infernal One is the first real heavy song on the record, opening with an electric guitar riff that kills. Summong Eternal Light is a nearly entirely instrumental track with a heavy emphasis on the bands guitar sound. Rise Fallen Angel is by far the most rocking track on the record owing to the sounds of Danzig or Type O Negative. Another brutally killer track. The next song is the title track, 33, and the song on the album that has that 90's alt rock feel. It is distorted and catchy, a real winner. The Great Beast is a return to the more acoustic feel of the first part of the record. Lux is a somber, almost lilting acoustic number that leads in to the closer, off kilter tinkling piano outro of Dispelling Darkness.

While the subject matter may be considered dark by some. I don't hear it. 33 is a Joyous, Love filled record delivered by a passionate group of musicians and is an impressive array of life affirming rock. If you are searching for something different, I would highly recommend giving Ancient VVisdom a try. You will not be disappointed.

Todd S

Words by Todd Stealey - Instagram @alltheghoststhathauntyou

Thanks to NeeCee Agency for the promo. 33 will be available to buy on CD via ArgonautaRecords, Vinyl via DHU Records and Digital Download via Magic Bullet Records. All from October 13^th 2017.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp