Anciients -Beyond the Reach of The Sun

Aeons ago, I had the luck of discovering Voices of the Void, and it spoke to me! How could a band summon the spirit of Mastodon and Opeth simultaneously? Anciients was a Prog Metal fan’s fantasy come true. However, I felt perfection still eluded the project. This is why Beyond the Reach of the Sun has created high expectations in me this time. I feel this band is so close to being the next big thing in Prog, and even if it falls short, whatever it delivers will be amazing and full of tasty riffs, right? I want to believe! Join me on this journey of illusions that could end in heartbreak and unfathomable drinking.

Well, this is Prog for the win! It’s not too heavy, not too shreddy, not too much wanking. It’s the right amount of wanking (this is becoming an iconic phrase at MER). Yet, don’t you dare believe this is a simple listen. Just because Anciients doesn’t sound overly complex doesn’t mean you won’t have to sit through a few listens to absorb it all. My first round was a series of highs and lows, for example, and I love music that abuses me like a public urinal. They don’t make Prog like this anymore! (I forgot my pills again!).

Tracks like “Melt the Crown” and “Is It Your God” show you everything Anciients is capable of. Amazing transitions that cut like a hot knife, a striking balance between soft and harsh vocals that will remind you of Opeth‘s best days combined with brutal lyrics. Instrumental work that’s meant to evoke the ideas of an epic and deep spiritual odyssey instead of just trying to impress guitar nerds. All of that with subtle Prog Rock influences shining through in the slower and more thoughtful moments of the album.

There are things that don’t fully convince me, though. I love Anciients‘ songwriting, but the album as a whole feels bloated, and most of the longer tracks could cut at least a minute of running time for a more impactful delivery. This is especially the case in the intros and outros, where there tends to be lingering that causes me to lose some interest. Finally, I might just prefer Voices of the Void. I mean, not many things beat the intro of that album! It’s a tough thing to match!

I’m not disappointed, and I won’t be hitting the pub. Beyond the Reach of the Sun still has everything a Prog fan could hope for: complexity, aggression, beauty, and even peace. I might even need more time to digest this mammoth of an album. If you like Anciients’ previous work, then rejoice because it’s maintained its might, but be ready for the same ups and downs the band has always had. Honestly, I’m just happy we’ve got more good Prog in a year where it’s not exactly growing on trees.

Label: Season of Mist

Release date: 30 August, 2024

Website: https://www.facebook.com/ANCIIENTSRIFFS

Country: Canada

Score: You do get to see beyond! Or 4.0/5.0, I need more time!