Atlantean Kodex - The Golden Bough

Something struck me as familiar about the title of this album, something that I couldn’t quite place. After looking at the liner notes and seeing the subtitle “A Study of Magic and Religion” it all came rushing back. You see, when I was a college student in the 90’s I took an anthropology class called religion and magic. In that class, The Golden Bough by Sir James George Frazer was touched upon. This thesis, first published in the late 1800’s, examines ancient fertility cults, and attempts to use them as a common thread to connect modern religions. The thesis has been largely discredited by modern anthropologists, but is said to have influenced a number of authors of fiction and poetry. Not only have Atlantean Kodex chosen to tackle this high-minded concept, but they have added yet another layer of literary indulgence by altering passages from JRR Tolkien’s works and reinterpreting them to fit into the context of the album. Tolkien is credited with lyrics on four tracks, with the Tolkien-inspired passages blended seamlessly with the other lyrics. Regardless of your interest in the literary roots of The Golden Bough’s concept, its multi-layered approach gives a glimpse into the amount of care that went into crafting this album.

Atlantean Kodex mix the primitive thunderous drive of Viking-era Bathory with a bit of the flash and finesse of early Manowar. The Golden Bough is defined by its rich doom inspired guitar tone, slow driving pace, and extended track lengths. Using this as a framework, Atlantean Kodex weaves a tapestry of soaring vocals and tasteful lead guitar into a mountain of an album that truly deserves to be called epic. It is difficult to really isolate the album’s highlights, as the whole thing just fits together like a giant jigsaw puzzle. “Temple of Katholic Magick” stands out for its triumphant main riff; by contrast, “A Vesperal Hymn” is highlighted by its lush acoustic sections. “A Prophet in the Forest” builds from a sorrowful dirge into a defiant mid-paced gallop, and gives vocalist Markus Becker a chance to let his strong midrange sore over the music. “Pilgrim” marches along with a conviction that I suspect would have Quorthon himself nodding his approval. I could go on all day, but I will stop by simply saying that this is an extremely well composed album, and it is obvious that a great deal of thought and effort went into its production and execution. The only misstep would be the rather ill fitting chorus in “Disciples of the Iron Crown“. It is the only track that really hints at any kind of speed, and while it isn’t a total loss, it is clearly the album’s weakest cut.

The Golden Bough is similar to recent albums by Doomsword, Battleroar, and to a lesser extent While Heaven Wept, and I would recommend it to fans of any of those bands. I have to admit, I am much more selective with this style of music than I am with death, black or thrash metal. It is really easy for bands like this to fall victim to their own self indulgence, creating albums that are little more than caricatures of what was probably intended. I came away from The Golden Bough thoroughly impressed on a number of levels; the vast scope of the album, the subtle shifts within songs and between tracks, the successful use of sampled sounds (wind, the sea, nature) to add atmosphere, and overall flow of the album are all noteworthy. Fans of doom, traditional heavy metal, and power metal should check this album out immediately.

Release Date: October 2, 2010
Label: Cruz del Sur Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  Fountain of Nepenthe
2.  Pilgrim
3.  The White Goddess
4.  Temple of Katholic Magick
5.  Disciples of the Iron Crown
6.  Vesperal Hymn
7.  The Atlantean Kodex
8.  A Prophet in the Forest
9.  The Golden Bough

Total playing time:  1:05:25

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*Comments:

Reviewer: Garett

January 31, 2011