Ancestral Curse – In Dreams Of Endless Darkness
Release Date: 16th November 2023
Label: Self Released
Bandcamp
Genre: Black Metal, Melodic Death Metal, Symphonic Metal.
FFO: Dimmu Borgir, Carach Angren, The Black Dahlia Murder, Shadow of Intent.
Review By: Carlos Tirado
Horror has been a theme in metal from the beginning, and if someone were to investigate the connection between a love for metal and a love for horror films/literature (hey, if you’re that someone, let’s chat business), they’d likely find a strong link. Ancestral Curse takes on the challenge of offering a fresh interpretation of one of metal’s oldest themes. The question then is straightforward: does In Dreams Of Endless Darkness succeed?
The album echoes the highlights of 90s MeloDeath and early 2000s Symphonic Black metal. In the realm of contemporary horror, it’s a nostalgic journey for those old enough to remember the struggles of Windows 95. Many songs hit the mark and authentically capture the spirit of the times they seek to emulate. Terror at the Big Top (great to hear Trevor Strnad again) and the standout track The Dread Sea truly elevate the experience with epic riffs that avoid veering into too much corniness.
The guitar and vocals strike a good balance, offering a variety that spans from the cold riffing of typical Black metal to the melodic assault reminiscent of In Flames or At the Gates. The tunes are catchy and enjoyable, but there’s a lingering sense of familiarity, as if I’ve heard it all before, just not packaged in the same way. This brings me to the aspects of In The Dreams of Endless Darkness that left me less convinced.
Intros and interludes seem skippable, having little impact on the overall album experience. I unintentionally skipped them in one run and didn’t realize until the end. While the songwriting is interesting, it leans a bit too heavily on nostalgia for my taste. I find it distracting when a song is interrupted by people talking; if the music is good, it doesn’t need someone explaining the atmosphere. Perhaps it’s my failing, as I’ve never quite grasped campy horror—I’m not Anglo-Saxon enough. Additionally, the orchestral elements felt somewhat buried in the mix, giving the overall album a slightly muted quality.
Make no mistake, it’s an enjoyable trip to 90s European metal. Ancestral Curse shows promise, and this debut is a solid start—one might even say it’s downright terrifying!
(3 / 5)
