Ancestors Blood: When the Forest Calls (EP 2009)

Grammar Nazi, Genre Nazi

I am a grammar nazi. As such, the name Ancestors Blood drives me crazy. I try not to think too much about it while listening to the music. Their EP When the Forest Calls was submitted to me by Heidens Hart.

Aside from being a grammar nazi, I’m also a bit of a genre nazi. This is yet another Viking metal band miscategorized as “pagan black metal” on Metal Archives. It’s fairly standard Viking metal at that, with a straight-forward black metal spine, girded with ribs made of steady drumming, and flesh made of synth, all working together to create an epic-sounding body flowing with, of course, the blood of ancestors. Their standout features are the desperate-sounding vocals and bass that’s very prominent in the mix. The latter is especially endearing to me, as one who used to fancy himself a bass player.


From a songwriting standpoint, there are a few things that happen on the record. First, a subdued synth-and-drum intro with what could be storm sounds. Second, the standout tracks, which put the black metal at the front and use the synths only for atmospheric purposes. Third, the synth-centric instrumental. Finally the tracks that start with black metal but use the synths to add melody. The vocals are always used sparingly.

The drums are mixed a bit unevenly, but given that their loudest beats seem to be at appropriate moments, that may be intentional. Other than that, it’s very well-produced, as this kind of music goes.



The Verdict: For me, the prominent bass is enough of a selling point to make Ancestors Blood stand out as something special within their field. Maybe that doesn’t matter to you, but if it does, you ought to check it out. I give When the Forest Calls 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Buy: Heidens Hart