Vigilance Perennial, the newest album by melodic folk-infused black metallers, Falls of Rauros, might be the greatest non-barley and hops-related Portland, ME export in quite some time. From the jazzy folk album intro to final roaring crescendo, FoR emotes profusely over this rich brew of atmospheric soundscaping and whirling riffs. Straight-up Tolkien in theme, tone and scale, Vigilance Perennial is simultaneously triumphant, brooding and beautiful. With this release, these Mainers guide the listener through misty swamps, storm-swept rock outcroppings and perilous mountain passes.
The opening track, “White Granite”, doesn’t hesitate to push some proggy buttons, but never gets lost in aimless noodling or go-nowhere interludes. The song’s quieter moments effortlessly move into tremendous black metal meets post-rock tremolo, all culminating in a grandiose and dazzling coda. We are again lulled by airy and intoxicating guitar swells on the follow-up track, “Labyrinth Unfolding Echoes” just to get lost in a briar patch of ghoulish howls and menacing metal wizardry. A piano/guitar instrumental third track is a brief and welcome moment of reflection before “Arrow & Kiln” explodes into arguably the darkest, most relentless, most “black metal” section of the record. Of course, the blast-beat fury is met with towering and majestic guitar work, like icy mountaintops, and cosmic chorus-like synths. “Impermanence Streakt Through Marble” continues with the release, relax and refrain dynamics that make this record so fucking good. The careful pacing throughout introduces each divergence seamlessly and allows each movement to develop organically.
Sonically, there is enough instrumental separation to let each component breathe while maintaining enough murk to satisfy atmospheric black metal diehards. Guitars are dense and very much at the forefront. Luckily, the musicianship justifies the approach. That isn’t to say the rhythm section is lacking in any way. Both bass and drums have fine moments, especially when things really get moving. For instance, mid-“Labyrinth Unfolding Echoes” unloads a tribal pounding of drums and bass like a stampeding horde. The synth work is enchanting and reverb-soaked vocals counter with the appropriately tortured shrieks. Scattered acoustic guitar, piano and percussion add terrific moments of interest. Nothing seems forced or wasted.
After more than a decade, Falls of Rauros continue to ascend in the metal world, making captivating records steeped in natural wonderment, Tolkein-worship and olde New England lore. Each effort is a more elaborate and adventurous step in musical world-building. A true piece of craftsmanship, Vigilance Perennial is their most forward-thinking and profound work to date, as the finest details culminate in a truly realized and lush story. While a number of bands of their ilk tread the same path, Falls of Rauros takes a turn into the densest part of the forest. I am excited to follow right behind.
