EP REVIEW: Cosmic Purge/Fois Gras – Ancient Altar

Of all the denominations of gnarly, oppressive music, doom metal has perhaps the most acquired taste. Set to re-release their most recent two-part EP Cosmic Purge/Foie Gras on vinyl in the coming days, ANCIENT ALTAR optimise everything that the divisive genre stands for. Prowling into view like rolling thunder, crushing shadow-like tones immediately plunge the record into a terrifying abyss whilst a dissonant vocal growl paints a bleak picture.

Slow and moody in its build up play, opening track Cosmic Purge is dark in atmosphere. There is no melody here, instead dense riffs tumble with immense downforce, perfectly representing the helplessness ANCIENT ALTAR intend to portray within their music. Bringing almost a sense of entrapment, ear-shattering drums combine with downtuned riffs in a metallic slow march.

Originally recorded with Greg Wilkinson at Ear Hammer Studios in 2016, the EP marked a shift in the sound ANCIENT ALTAR, seeing the inclusion of melodic vocals to their style. This adds an extra dimension to what would otherwise be sheer darkness. Written in similar sonic territory to the work of bands such as YOB, the sludgy, scathing music style doesn’t rely on hooks to lure in the listener, instead ANCIENT ALTAR rely solely on atmosphere. Second track Fois Gras continues this theme. There is echoes of BARONESS in the clean vocals, and wavering guitar solos provide the only outcrops in a bland and bleak soundscape.

ANCIENT ALTAR haven’t written a record that will excite, but in their twenty-five minute run time, the two tracks pulse with an imploring energy. Destined not to impress but rather to express, both tracks capture feelings of fragility and the unwillingness of humanity to accept reality and universal truths. Upon understanding the philosophy on which the EP is built, its desolate ambience makes much more sense. The sometimes overly repetitive riff work becomes a metaphor for how society is incapable of learning from past mistakes, and carries with it a potent intensity.

Cosmic Purge/Foie Gras doesn’t light any fires in terms of outright musical ability, but its austere intonation makes it a life lesson we should all heed.

Rating: 7/10

Cosmic Purge/Fois Gras is out now via Black Voodoo Records. 

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