Weft – The Splinter Oar

Metalcatto

The year is almost over. I’m led to believe that the best of the year has passed, that the only thing left is the struggle of picking the best albums this so, so year produced. Yet, a project with an unsurprising name comes in. Weft’s The Splinter Oar reached me with no expectations. I literally picked the album in a rush before leaving home to use it as a soundtrack for my journey to the coal mine. With this little information, we can jump right in!

Oar is what happens when you take Opeth, Anciients, and Panopticon and blend it all together in one band. Progressive Black/Folk? Is that a thing? Well, it seems it is now. With a production that reminds me of Venenum, it has that melody, complexity, and mystery that comes rarely and even less with this quality. Oar is a dreamy and solemn adventure through the dark woods. A love letter to nature that escapes from the usual tropes of the genre by jumping between styles with so much taste. It’s not even all-out, crazy. It feels restrained and mature.

The vocals bring back the good old days of Opeth, but there are elaborate string passages that give it that almost Saor feel. Who said you can’t aspire to write complicated music if you like woods and mountains? Weft is definitely defying expectations. The tracks are long, and there are no lame interludes. It’s just solid idea after solid idea. You know how hard it is for my cold and cynical reviewer heart to not get bored? Well, this kept me alive during rush hour.

The things you should look out for? Well, obviously if you’re not into Prog, maybe it’s time to stop reading and finish your toilet break. I felt in some moments the vocals were a bit buried in the mix, but I like that. Yet, one must admit the mix could be cleaner, umm but I have the impression that would go against the wishes of Oar‘s creator. It’s just weird to have Metal this elaborate sounding this traditional, we could say. Honestly, I’m just making your potential complaints — Oar slays!

If you’re patient and ready for an epic adventure, Weft is the definition of an underground darling. Let it be known that Charlie Anderson (Lunn’s Panopticon buddy) can also send our minds into oblivion with fascinating songwriting, technical prowess, and cool storytelling. I need more runs with this album, but right now, things are looking good for it in my end-of-year shout-outs. So you, start lobbying for Oar now!

Label: Bindrune Recordings

Release date: December 19, 2025

Website: bindrunerecordings.bandcamp.com

Country: USA

Score: 4.2/5.0