White Nights - Into The Lap Of The Ancient Mother

Labels: Iron Bonehead Productions

Formats: Vinyl/CD/Tape/Digital

Release Date: 24 Apr 2020

Tracklist:

1. Litha

2. Drift From Irminsul

3. Bölthorn

4. -

Nobody really knows much about mysterious black metal/doom/death rock band White Nights, apart from that they (or it) are from the US, maybe. Steeped in psychedelia, Into The Lap Of The Ancient Mother was the first recorded material to come from White Nights in 2020. The fact that it was released by Germany's ever consistent Iron Bonehead Productions shows that it was and still is worth a lot of attention.

This evening calls for something a little on the weirder side. White Nights follow their own path on opener ‘Litha’, where austere German sounding spoken-word vocals join instrumentation that’s part black metal and part martial industrial, to my ears anyway. I was expecting more psych but one can’t be too choosy.

Given Iron Bonehead’s connection to the likes of Pa Vesh En, Aparthiva Raktadhara and Rope Sect, this release shouldn’t come as a surprise. ‘Drift From Irminsul’ isn’t necessarily a reflection of the aforementioned bands but it does have some similarities, while also having a much greater psych/rock influence.

‘Bölthorn’ is the EP’s longest song and it begins in a subtly anthemic way, containing more melody and brightness than expected given the coldness of White Nights as a whole. It’s an otherworldly mix of euphoria and dread all at the same time.

EP closer ‘-‘ is a looping-sample filled outro that kind of cuts through the mesmeric momentum gained throughout. If you were expecting a release with more noise you’ll be disappointed but if you hit play because you’re adventurous and appreciative of the art that’s put into extreme music, then this is for you.

You can stream and purchase the EP digitally below:-

CD and vinyl copies are still available from Iron Bonehead Productions below:-

https://shop.ironbonehead.de/