ANCIENT GUARD is the solo project of multi-instrumentalism Nightwolf of RUNESPELL fame. On June 14, he released the project’s debut album, a four-track EP entitled “Nightfall Enthralled” via the venerable Iron Bonehead Productions. This is a lo-fi, heavily shrouded swath of contemplative Black Metal, both Atmospheric and visceral.

As a lover of Atmospheric Black Metal, this album moved me. The melodic yet disquieting compositions both sooth and disturb—which I think is the essence of Atmospheric BM, an essence that Nightwolf proves extreme proficient at evoking.  

Curiously the duration of each track counts down from 11 minutes, to nine, to seven, and finally to three. If I had paid closer attention in math class or at least occult geometry, I might be able to cipher some sort of ominous symmetry in that progression, but, alas, I am but an English major so everything but the meter and the metaphors are lost on me. But it is odd how the tracks descend like a darkened stairway from the first track, Dominion of Primordial Darkness,” to the last, “Eld” which, btw, is Swedish for ‘fire’ . . . or just ‘elder’ in plain old English.  

With an EP, it’s difficult to pick out the best tracks, especially with Atmospheric where the spaces between tracks are more of a suggestion than a hard break. Having said that, the most distinctive track is the final and shortest track, “Eld.” Very woodlands dark, this one. A good closer. If you are into the more traditional ambient and melodic, “Dominion of Primordial Darkness” and “Sepulchral Damnation” are sure to please. If you like more heft in your tunage, then “A Moonscape Abyss” will likely appeal. Personally, I liked them all and the singular way the tracks meld together. I have always said that one-person projects have a natural cohesiveness to them that’s often hard to achieve with multiple members.

Altogether, “Nightfall Enthroned” is a solid debut by ANCIENT GUARD. It’ll be interesting to see if this will be an ongoing journey or just a one-shot excursion. Either way “Nightfall Enthroned” is well worth the listen, and I’d certainly be up for another round if Nightwolf decides to continue.