Anciients - Heart of Oak (2013)

And out of nowhere comes a phenomenal band with an extremely impressive debut album that is sure to win them prominent touring spots and much metal press coverage. But besides those external factors, "Heart of Oak" is an incredibly well-written, hard-hitting album that blends together a whole host of great influences including Opeth, Agalloch to a degree (especially in the folk parts and harsh vocals), Baroness, and especially Mastodon. This means that there is a good deal of heavy, punchy riffs as well as beautiful, intricate melodies that's sure to please pretty much any prog fan. At the same time, I can't help but think that the band might be exhibiting their influences too obviously, and that there's not enough innovation. However, that's really a minor concern of mine with the music as good as it is. But you can judge for yourself and let me know what you think about that. Anyways, this is a band that, in my view, have hit it right off the bat with this album. Check it out as soon as you can. Last note: The album art is some of the best I've seen in a while. Hats off to the band for that too.

9.5/10