Album Review: Cairns – Keening (Clobber Records)

The hooded women sit by the graveside and expel raw, unearthly emotion through the crying of words and song. As their unique exaltations drift amongst the misty mountain peaks and the still waters of the tarn, they stand at the meeting point of life and death and enable the soul to leave the body of the deceased. Never has there been a more important yet secretive role in the ancient traditions of the North, and few would now recognise the art of ‘keening’, but this deeply ingrained lamentation, this final farewell and this oral tradition lives on for those who chose to wander out into the untouched extremities of our lands.

Cairns forge a new path in the wilderness of extreme metal. The driving force behind the project is Chris Taylor (Incassum, Aloeswood and music producer) as he takes the spirits of this most revered custom, channels his own experiences of grief and existentialism, and enlists the help of some distinguished musicians. This confluence of dedication and reverence to the departed is the first offering that Cairns have ever revealed.

Keening will be released through Clobber Records on May 13th, 2022.

A fascinating source of inspiration, Cairns use it to create an album that is steeped in atmosphere but undeniably extreme. Leading the journey with a heterogenous display of atmospheric black metal, the biggest complaint that can be had about Keening is that it’s over far too soon.

…but what an experience it is.

With a black metal rawness that cuts through the fog created by the atmosphere, Keening can be undeniably dangerous sounding. However, it can also be emotional and touching. Put the two together and you have something quite captivating, something that stands out in a sea of atmospheric black metal music.

Part of that comes from the wonderful music Cairns create, but another is the imagery created by the atmosphere. There is no denying that Keening transports the mind to far-away, ancient places that time has almost forgotten. That there is an accomplishment in itself.

That it comes with such an expert and analytical portrayal of atmospheric black metal music makes this one of 2022’s most interesting releases.

Cairns – Keening Full Track Listing:

1. The Wicker Ablaze
2. When Days Grew Shorter
3. The Eternal Sea
4. Haunted

Links

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