Tag Archives: NATHAN OPPOSITION

Ancient Vvisdom and Sólstafir Book Upcoming North American Tour

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Occult death rockers Ancient Vvisdom will be touring with Sólstafir on an upcoming North American tour. They are touring in support of Sacrficial, out via Magic Bullet Records. Produced by founding vocalist Nathan Opposition, engineered by Travis Bonner at The Diamond Factory Studios in Austin and mastered by Paul Logus (Anthrax, Clutch, Hellyeah, Shadows Fall et al) at Taloowa Mastering, Sacrificial finds the collective at their most eloquent conjuring dark, penetrating neofolkian psalms of unholiness that are at once melodic, catchy and maniacally addictive.

ANCIENT VVISDOM w/ Sólstafir:
Apr 22: The Shop – Brooklyn, NY
Apr 23: L’ail’ze – Montreal, QC
Apr 24: Mavericks – Ottawa, ON
Apr 25: Garrison – Toronto, ON
Apr 26: Bug Jar – Rochester, NY
Apr 27: 31st St Pub – Pittsburgh, PA
Apr 28: Ace Of Cups – Columbus, OH
Apr 29: Pyramid Scheme – Grand Rapids, MI
Apr 30: TBA – Milwaukee, WI
May 01: Nether Bar – Minneapolis, MN
May 03: Reggies – Chicago, IL
May 04: Riot Room – Kansas City, MO
May 05: Larimer – Denver, CO
May 06: Bar Deluxe – Salt Lake City, UT
May 08: The Pin – Spokane, WA
May 09: Rickshaw – Vancouver, BC
May 10: El Corazon – Seattle, WA
May 12: Oakland Opera – San Francisco, CA
May 13: Los Globos – Los Angeles, CA
May 14: Pub Rock Live – Scottsdale, AZ
May 15: Sister – Albuquerque, NM
May 16: Sons Of Hermann – Fort Worth, TX
May 17: Red 7 – Austin, TX
May 18: One Eyed Jacks – New Orleans, LA
May 20: Strange Matter – Richmond, VA

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Roses Never Fade – Devil Dust

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Nick Fiction (aka Nick Brewer), the only remaining member from the last Roses Never Fade album, is joined by Nathan “Nate” Opposition of Ancient VVisdom fame (because now AVV have, like, distortion and stuff he clearly needs another acoustic outlet), and The Way To Light’s Austin Rathmell with the intention of producing brooding acoustic neofolk.

There is no percussion here, no other instrumentation, just a pure, minimalist strumming and vocal methodology, that endeavours to evoke a monastic, empty church feel.

Starting out with some annoying swooshing noises (and little else) that fill the whole of the five minutes (!) of opening track ‘To Valleys And Shadows’, the second Roses Never Fade album, Devil Dust (Neuropa) is clearly trying to set an ambience of reflection and prepare the listener for a melancholy moment of introspection, a mood that isn’t achieved either on the introduction, or once the album proper commences.

A pattern soon emerges as tracks directly alternate between a simple, uncomplicated acoustic picking interspersed and shrouded with embellishing motifs and backed with oh so earnest whispers, and harmony vocal songs over strumming. Unfortunately neither approach is fully effective, especially once the pattern is noted, as neither the music nor the vocal is dark or interesting enough to draw the required atmosphere. There is no being enveloped into a state of other, or past, worldliness, such as the induced meditative mental journey that Ulver’s Kveldssanger (Head Not Found) inspires.

Whether seeking to yield a particular emotive or reflective response, or simply playing unassuming songs, Devil Dust doesn’t really achieve anything. At its best, neofolk, or rather acoustic neofolk (for neofolk is more a shared ideology than any real musical consistency, of which the Cold Meat Industry and industrial/dark wave inspired works of artists like Blood Axis, Ordo Rosario Equilibrio and Amber Asylum are the more interesting and suggestive) at the very least induces emotions, sympathies and reactions. Devil Dust just happens, really, and while it’s a quite nice when it’s on, that’s it. It doesn’t emote, or inspire much beyond apathy or boredom.

4.5/10

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STEVE TOVEY


Ancient VVisdom – Sacrificial

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It has only been a couple of years since occult inspired Swedish heavy metal band Ghost BC rocketed out of obscurity and cast their shadow over any similarly aspiring band in occult rock. It seems that Ancient VVisdom have also found themselves under the influence of the Swedish titans with their latest LP, Sacrificial (Magic Bullet). While the music remains largely unaltered from previous work, it’s Nathan Opposition’s vocals that have a distinct twist of Papa Emeritus to them in this release. The harsher edges and ominous harmonies have been replaced by soft reverb-doused phrasing and while the difference may be subtle, it’s unmistakable.

Opening up with an acoustic intro, Ancient VVisdom carry through the distinctly organic sound from older work. Contrasting this, the distorted guitars in Sacrificial lean heavily on chugging for many of the riffs, which although not entirely well integrated does add a satisfying drive that previous albums lacked. Many of the riffs and choruses retain a similar format, however the songs themselves do still seem to offer some surprises with ‘Blood Offering’ and ‘Devils Work’ throwing the listener into some mid-tempo riffing, while ‘I am your Sacrifice’ presents a Megadeth-esque bass intro.

Both enticing and enchanting Sacrificial captures the listener with its satisfying mixture of heaviness and melody. While the sound has certainly taken a stronger step towards the most traditional occult metal style, this record has proved it is certainly not a bad move from the band. With strong riffs, a great mix and catchy vocal melodies, Sacrificial would have the Devil himself tapping away to the odd track.

While it could never be described as a masterpiece, it is a very welcome addition to any car stereo or downtime playlist.

8.0/10

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CAITLIN SMITH