Since their debut Diadem of 12 Stars in 2006, Wolves in the Throne Room has had their share of both fans and critics.  That hasn’t stopped one of the leaders of the Cascadian Black metal scene from making albums that are awash in atmospheric elements and harsh vocal lines.  Their latest album Celestial Lineage is another solid album in the band’s ever-growing reputation as one of the best black metal bands today.

The third of a trilogy (which includes Two Hunters and Black Cascade), Celestial Lineage is quite possibly WITTR’s most accomplished of the three.  For one, the production is the cleanest on the album, which makes for an easier listen.  However, the core aesthetics of the WITTR sound are still present, only it’s better in sound.  There are no true standout tracks on Celestial Lineage, as the album is solid on all tracks, even the instrumentals “Permanent Changes in Consciousness” and “Rainbow Illness.”  From the first notes of “Thuja Magus Imperium,” WITTR brings in the listener with their unique style of black metal and doesn’t let up.  A casual listen of the album demonstrates the overall flow of the album to be quite smooth, and without many problems, something that had prior to this album been evident on Diadem of 12 Stars.  Guest vocals on the album are provided by Jessika Kinney, who had performed on the 2007 album Two Hunters, and it adds to the performance on the album.  Though every track is worth a listen, the best tracks on the album are “Prayer of Transformation” and “Thuja Magus Imperium.”

Say what you will about Wolves in the Throne Room and their reputation away from the stage, but there is no denying that they are a talented band.  Celestial Lineage is the latest album to cement the band’s growing legacy, and is clearly their best album since Diadem of 12 Stars.  A sure-fire lock to make a few year end lists, Wolves in the Throne Room continues to raise the bar for black metal bands everywhere.

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  Thuja Magus Imperium
2.  Permanent Changes in Consciousness
3.  Subterranean Initiation
4.  Rainbow Illness
5.  Woodland Cathedral
6.  Astral Blood
7.  Prayer of Transformation

Total playing time:  48:51

Release Date: September 13, 2011
Label: Southern Lord Records

Wolves in the Throne Room - Celestial Lineage

Reviewer: Peter

September 13, 2011