Heathen Harvest

Whilst the production is well-crafted and full of life, there are few key melodies upon which a song—or album as a whole—hinges. This does, however—and quite paradoxically—give the release a rare depth; it demands that the listener pay attention to each moment equally rather than holding on for select passages. Where A Long Way Home excels, and sets itself apart from genre pioneers such as Burzum and Mortiis, as well as current leaders such as Murgrind and Lord Lovidicus, is in the freedom it gives itself to utilise chromatic scales with unorthodox passing notes. In this way, the compositions remain quite busy throughout, yet end up having a somewhat ’70’s progressive rock feel, with echoes of Tangerine Dream and earlier Vangelis. This is the main method by which A Long Way Home achieves its playful mood and is undoubtedly its hallmark. (more..)