Album Review: Rift – To Quench The Thirst Of Wolves (Seance Records)

Australia’s Rift first tentatively bayed at the moon in 2006 with the EP, ‘Eyes of the Basilisk’. Soon after in 2007, ‘To Quench the Thirst of Wolves’ was recorded but Rift lay like the beast, sleeping in the shadows – waiting for the lunar call to awaken in 2021 and finally be completed with the addition of vocals by A.S (Order of Orias).

Now Seance Records, spellbound by crepuscular full moon misanthropy will release their first full length album on December 3rd, 2021.

A primitive, yet melodic form of black metal, Rift emerge from their cave to howl at the moonlit night. The sort of howl that sends shivers up spines and makes those resting at home, tighten their grip on their blankets.

Ripping and tearing their way through any victims brave enough to be out, Rift deliver a hellacious bout of traditional black metal. However, there’s more to them than just bloody and guttural heaviness. This is an album filled with melodies, cold and dark melodies, comforting and relaxing melodies. It is an album with the ability to make you feel deeper emotions which is not what you might expect when it first gets going. Although the intro of The Coffins will give you a clue, it’s Acolyte of Worms and the way in which it transitions from savage noise to heartfelt tones that really makes Rift something special.

With a ton more atmosphere that gives it a magnificence, Night Glare is another special listen before Rift really turn the screws with the title track. A melodic black metal epic that comes in at just short of 10-minutes. A drawn-out bout of anguish that really hits hard.

Before it’s back to the heated speed and savagery with Innards of Malevolence, the horror-laden atmospheric instrumental Graven Solace and the sharp beauty of Sermon of Blades. Brilliant black metal music from a brilliant band.

Further proof of that statement arrives with the penultimate epic that is Posthumous Rapture. The second of the two sprawling black metal behemoths, it’s got wonderful depth and even nicer atmosphere. Effectively the finale as Moon is a short outro that sees the hunt and feast coming to an exhausting close.

Rift – To Quench the Thirst of Wolves Full Track Listing:

1. The Coffins
2. Acolyte Of Worms
3. Night Glare
4. To Quench the Thirst of Wolves
5. Innards Of Malevolence
6. Graven Solace
7. Sermon Of Blades
8. Posthumous Rapture
9. Moon

Links

Seance Records