EXCLUSIVE TRACK PREMIERE: ASPEN SANCTUM’S “WITHOUT ILLUMINATION”
Sometimes you know without listening. Earlier this year, as I was trying to find the correct combination of bands to book for a show in July, I caught wind of a new project here in Michigan. The project was described as “a new black metal band by one of the guys in Lucius Fox.” Lucius Fox is nowhere near black metal, but it is a really cool project by two talented musicians, and the person recommending them is a talented musician and stalwart in the scene. That was enough for me to reach out and invite them to play my July show without ever hearing a note. Some months later, the opportunity arose to premiere the first track from the band’s debut album, and I have finally heard the music. I’m so very excited to say that I’m not disappointed at all. If anything, this album exceeds my expectations.
First, since Aspen Sanctum is a brand new project, let’s welcome them to the scene. The quartet is made up of Jared Koons (Vocals, also of One With The Riverbed), Jeremy Cronk (Guitar, also of Lucius Fox), Tim Wicklund (Drums, also of Ifing), and Bryan Neterer (Bass, also of One With The Riverbed). The band is based in Kalamazoo, MI. They’ve already played out live, but if you haven’t seen them in that capacity, this will be your first chance to hear their music. As to the inspiration for the band’s existence, the PR materials state:
Aspen forests are common to the upper Midwest. Known for their colorful autumn leaves and pale bark, the word “Aspen” serves as a reference to the region’s distinct seasons. “Sanctum” suggests a sacred, secluded space. Aspen Sanctum is meant to evoke a vision of the natural world prevailing in the face of time. Embodying the beauty of the Northwoods, coastal Great Lakes, and rolling hills of the Midwest, while simultaneously resisting the innate human urge to dominate and conquer all that lies in view.
Today we are thrilled to be presenting the opening track from the upcoming album (aptly titled To Withhold the Need to Conquer). The track, titled “Without Illumination,” launches the record with just over 7 minutes of intense, fiery atmospheric black metal. Panopticon is certainly an inspiration, but so are bands like Rorcal or Celeste. Aspen Sanctum manage to encapsulate a wide range of emotions within the track, including most notably, anger, awe, and sorrow. In the band’s own words:
Without Illumination is the opening of To Withhold the Need to Conquer. Lyrically it contrasts the instinctual lives of wildlife with the societal structures that define human life. It was the first song that was written with the entirety of the group present and is representative of the sound and spirit of the album.
While “Without Illumination” is representative of what follows on the rest of the album, it is not inclusive of everything going on across the next 5 tracks. There are musical and emotional surprises to come. What I can say, after repeat listens to the entirety, is that To Withhold the Need to Conquer is a stunningly good debut album. It certainly helps that the band is made up of veteran musicians, but it’s also fair to say that this particular mix of styles is new for all of them. The composition of the album is pitch perfect. It evolves beautifully, staying cohesive while still staying fresh and moving through new territory. Perhaps this album really is the musical equivalent of moving through the cohesive, yet changing landscape of aspen woodlands.
To Withhold the Need to Conquer arrives on cassette on August 7 through Fiadh Productions. The band will have digital available on their Bandcamp.
