From Bandcamp, the band has this brief description of the album: “It is the sound of a world collapsing. Doom, shifting axes and intense darkness. A prayer for the suffering and a hope for emanating light.” “Shape of Ash” showcases the refined sound of a band whose career has been a similar slow burn as their music. A band who have managed to stay together and create music throughout all these years, despite the odds of families and the real world. Like staring into a purgatory bonfire, listening to “Shape of Ash” is a powerfully entrancing experience. Dealing with themes of helplessness, uncertainty, conflict and resolution, these four songs touch upon the many adversities of life.

“Samartian” is the first song. The opening guitar tones are very solemn, and gentle, as are the vocals. They are very expressive as well, as a light tom beat provides the drums. The tones grow harder and more firm as the song moves forward, ending on a very depressing note. “Auld Askok” leaves a heavier footprint, like one from a giant, trudging through the mud, and that fuzzy guitar riff is downright bossy. The vocals remain pretty ethereal, even with the more weighted backdrop. As it begins to fade towards the end, you wonder if it was ever even real to begin with. “Bygg en menneskekropp” is another melancholy offering, and I get a sense of ever-grey skies with a steady rain for weeks. There are no breaks, no peaks of sun, even no sense of hope. There is the addition of male vocals here, and they are just as despondent.

The title track closes the album, and it’s another slow and depressive offering. There is also a good deal of tension, which arises from the steady guitar notes, and the deep pounding of bass and drums, that is often withheld just long enough. The EP was indeed a slow burn, and the kind that sinks in before you know it and scalds you. I am intrigued to hear more from the band, as four songs were just a teaser, but it was a nice teaser.